LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

mf,pSt%,- \''§iJiu|ng!it la, 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



THE, 



Last Four Weeks of the War. 



- '^^\ uw^ 



r.Y 



Edmund N, Hatcher. 




DEC 5 lo9^ 



COLUMBUS, OHIO. 

EDMUND N. HATCHER, Publisher. 
1891. 



2 L 



Copyright 1 89 1. 
Bj Edmund N. Hatcher. 



Press of 

J. WIGGINS & CO. 

Columbus, 0. 



INTRODUCTION. 



But for the cultivation of a fancy, this vohime would 
not go to the public. The collection of material for 
this work began shortly after the close of the War, by 
seeking from both North and South, files of daily and 
weekly papers published during the activity of the 
two great armies of the Union and Canfederate forces. 
Many difficulties were encountered in collecting files 
now in my possession, yet, after the lapse of more than 
a quarter of a century, the result of my collection is in- 
valuable and cannot be duplicated. Having a desire, 
after having served in the field at a youthful age, to 
know more than I chanced to have seen, caused me to 
seek this channel for that I deemed more accurate and 
interesting than could come from the pen of a historian, 
and to you is given the situation and expression on 
both Union and Confederate sides, to study over as I 
have done with great pleasure. I do not offer an 
apology for any article within this cover. I have given 
each as it came directly from the press sentiment on 
those dates. It has been found necessary at times to 
have concentrated letters and editorials, but the gist of 
each is retained and here given. 

The contents are from the War Correspondents and 
editorials of the following papers : The Tribune, 
Herald and Times, of New York; The Daily Rebel, Con- 



federate Union and Mobile Register, of Alabama; The 
Raleigh Progress, and Confederate, of North Carolina ; 
The Richmond Dispatch, Sentinel, Whig, and En- 
quirer, of Richmond, Virginia ; The Daily Constitu- 
tionalist, of Augusta, Georgia; The New Orleans Pic- 
ayune, Philadelphia Inquirer, Washington Chronicle, 
Baltimore American, and The Cincinnati Commercial, 
Gazette and Enquirer, as well as from files of many 
papers of less prominence, that were issued during the 
War, many of v/hich have been for years extinct. 

I trust, after the reader has carefully read, — and pos- 
sibly wondered as to the accuracy of the contents,- -that 
it will have been found interesting. Those who were 
witnesses and participants in the great struggle, can 
vouch for the correctness of this compilation, while 
those who have since appeared on the stage may find 
herein food for the production of an imaginary picture 
of the closing days of the war, that they will never be 
able to properly paint. 

I launch this work with the belief that it will bring 
to many recollections that time has blurred, and recall 
the part you played in the great drama. With this 
accomplished, I have finished. 

E. N. H. 
Columbus, Ohio, 
Sept. 30, 1891. 



CONTENTS. 



The Army of the James Eeported as 
Going to tbeChickahominy. — The Cap- 
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1865. ^^^,.g ^f Fort Steadmaii by the Union 
Forces.— Review of the Day's Engage- 
ments in Front of the Army of the Potomac— President Lincoln in 
the Field.— Confederates Reported as Being Disheartened.— Confed- 
erates Determined to Avenge the Death of Captain Beall by the 
Execution of General Crook. — Guerillas Killed near Paducah, Ken- 
tucky.— Confederate Account of the Evacuation of Dalton, Georgia, 
by the Federals.— Confederate Prisoners of War Kemoved from 
Louisville, Kentucky, to Camp Chase, Ohio.— Sherman's Army as 
it Appeared at Goldsboro, North Carolina.— Locating the Position 
of General Johnston's Army.— Confederate Account of the Capture 
by the Federals of a Train on the Florida Railroad.— Another Ac- 
count of Same.— Confederate Account of Their Situation at Mobile, 
Alabama.— The Executioii of Robert Cobb Kennedy, a Spy, at New 
York.- Gold Quotation at New York.— Supplies for Sherman's 
Army Going Through Newbern, North Carolina.— General Lee's 
Keportof the Day's Battles at Petersburg.— Confederate Account of 
the Assault on the Petersburg Line.— A Second Account of Same. 
—Confederate Account of Abuse Heaped on Wheeler's Cavalry.— 
Raleigh, North Carolina, Account of Depredations Committed in 
North Carolina.— Confederate Account of the Situation at Rich- 
mond, Virginia.— Confederate View of Sherman's Army at Golds- 
boro.— Report from Refugees at Washington.— Confederate Esti- 
mate of Damage Done by Sherman's Troops.— Arrival of Deserters 
at Washington.— What Stoneman's Troops are Doing at Wautanga 
Bridge, Tennessee.— The Second Army Corps in Battle.— The As- 
sault on the Sixth Corps.— The Sixth Corps Gaining Ground.— The 
Ninth Corps at the Confederate Assault on Fort Steadman.— The 
Ninth Corps Losses of To-day. 



VI THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Sheridan's Cavalry Arrives at Berniiicia 

SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1865. ^^''""'^'f^ Vir-ima-Arrival of Sheri- 
dan's Cavalry on the Petersburg Front. 
— Confederate Account of the Arrival of 
Prisoners at Libby Prison. — The Forces of General Stoneman in 
East Tennessee and what they are doing. — The Situation on the 
Petersburg Front. — The Army of the James on Bermuda Hundred 
Front. — Sheridan's Cavalry at the Appoma^ox Kiver. — Price of 
Broad Cloth at Augusta, Georgia. — Cincinnati News — Schofield's 
Army Keeps its Word and Joins Sherman at Faysor Depot, North 
Carolina. — Lee Reported as Surrendered.— Confederate Account of 
the Mobile Situation.— Confederate Report from Montgomery, Ala- 
bama. — The Situation of Sherman's Army at Goldsboro.— The Re- 
view of the Army of the James by President Lincoln. — News From 
Alexandria, Louisiana. — The Confederate Situation To-day atRich- 
mond.— Confederate News From Canton, Mississippi. — The Presi- 
dent Sees the 'J'roops at Bermuda Hundred, Virginia.— The Confed- 
erate Ram Stonewall, at Lisbon, Portugal.— The Troops of General 
Steele at Pensacola, Florida. — A Detailed Account of the Battles 
Fought by Sherman's Army in Their Progress to a Junction With 
Schofield. 



A Confederate Account of the Doings of 

.-^..^.w ...r.^.. ^^ Sherman's Army. — The New York 

MONDAY. MARCH 27, 1865. „, , , . , . ir.fi ^ t 

World Advises ihe Confederacy to Lay 
Down Their Arms.— Confederate Re- 
port From Raleigh, North Carolina. — The Arrival of Confederate 
Prisoners at Baltimore. — News from the Twenty-third Corps at 
White Oak, North Carolina. — The News at City Point, Virginia. — 
The Decoy Made by the C<'nfederates on the Sixth Corps.— The 
Mail Arrives at Newbern, North Carolina. — Moving the Sick From 
the Hospitals in Front of Petersburg. — The Thirteenth and Six- 
teenth Corps in front of Mobile. — A Confederate Estimate of Sher- 
man's Army. — Confederate News of To-day From Selma, Alabama. 
— The Confederate Estimate of the Forces Near Kernstown and 
Winchester, Virginia — General Grant's Account of Losses in Front 
of Petersburg. — Confederate Current News From Richmond of To- 
day. — Recruiting Dull at Washington. — A Portion of the Twent)'- 
fourth Corps and the Twenty-fifth Corps Leaving the Armj^ of the 
James to Join the Army of the Potomac. — Sheridan's Cavalry Going 
Into Position on the Petersburg Front, — The Distress at Fayette- 
ville, North Carolina, as Given by a Confederate Paper. — General 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. Vll 

News From the Twentieth Corps and Sherman's Army. — From a 
Confederate Letter Written at Petersburg To-day.— General Bailey's 
Troops at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and What They are Doing. 



The Fourth Army Corps on its Way to 

■r..r-on-» ..no^M «o .«^,- K u OX vllle , Teu u essee. — Stoneman's 
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1865. ^, . ^ , ,, . „, , ... , 

L^nion Cavalry Moving loward Rich- 
mond. — President Lincoln in Consulta- 
tion With Leading Union Generals at City Point, Virginia. — The 
Twenty-third Army Corps at White Oak, Nortii Carolina. — Gen- 
eral Robert Anderson on His Way to Hoist the United States Flag on 
Fort Sumter. — New York Market Report. — Sherman's Men Re- 
ported as Growing Feathers on Their Legs. — News From Newbern, 
N'orth Carolina. — The Situation at Goldsboro, North Carolina. — 
Confederate News From Mobile, Alabama. — The Tried -Men of the 
Army of the James Selected to Join the Army of the Potomac. — 
Confederate Account of the Ariival of Union Piisoners at Rich- 
mond. — News From the Army of t!ie Potomac. — General Grant's 
Phins. — Confederate News in Richmond. — Sherman's Army at 
Goldsboro. — Confederate Account of the Tians-Mlssissippi Depart- 
ment. — General Wilson's Union Forces Betw^een Selma and Mont- 
gomery, Alabama. — General Oid takes a Part of the Army of the 
James to the Petershurg Front. — Mobile, Alabama, Nearly Sur- 
rounded by tiiC Federals. 



WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1865. 



The Fifth Army Corps in Action. — The 
News From ihe Army of the Potomac. — 
The FifLh Army Corps in Battle on the 
Quaker Road. — Thomas' Union Forces 
on the way to Richmond. — The Assault of tlie Twenty-Fourth Army 
Corps on the Confederate Line at Hatcher's Run. — Confederate 
Soldiers Taking the Oath at Louisville, Kentucky. — An Auction 
Sale of Slaves at Augusta, Geortjia. — Guerillas Reported Near New- 
port, Kentucky. — Comment on the Confederate Situation. — The 
Army of the Potomac in Motion. — The Confederate Ram Stonewall 
at Lisbon, Portugal. — Confederate Account of Mosby's Troops. — 
Graphic Description of Sherman's Troops in North Carolina. — Con- 
federate Account of the Battles in Front of Petersburg, Virginia. 
— The Doings ut Mobile. 



Vlll THE I.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Negroes Being Placed in the Confed- 
-r...,oor,«w ..«o«., o,. .o^n ©rate Fo I ti fication s Around Rlch- 

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1865. , r. . , ^ a ^ ^ ^u td 

monu, — Confederate Account of the Po- 
sition of Thomas' Union Forces. — Tele- 
graph Wires Down Between Washington and City Point. — A Re- 
port From tlie Ninth Army Corps in Front of Petersburg. — Confed- 
erate News From Petersburg. — The Army of the Potomac at Grav- 
elly Run, Virginia. — General Lee's Letter to the Confederate Secre- 
tary of War. — The News in Richmond. — The Twenty-Fourth Army 
Corps Commended as Plucky. — The Weather at City Point. — Gen- 
eral Sherman Orders the Mail for His Army to be Sent to Fortress 
Monroe, Virginia. — Kilpatrick's Cavalry out on a Scout. — The Sen- 
timent in Richmond. — Union Account From Mobile, Alabama. 
—Confederate Account From Montgomery, Alabama. — The News 
at Savanna, Georgia. — Confederate Account of the Day at Peters- 
burg. — Confederate Account From Lynchburg, Virginia. — The 
First Army Corps Near Charlestown, Virginia. 



A Good Demand for Substitutes in 

.-o,,^«« »»„«.. o. .««^ Washington — Confederates About to 
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 1865. ^ ^ , . , ^t , ^ 

Evacuate Raleigh, North Carolina. — 

Military Execution at Goldsboro, North 
Carolina. — Full Report From the Army of the Potomac. — Tlie 
Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifih Army Corps Fighting. — Sherman's 
Men on a Reconnoisance. — News From Newbern, North Carolina. 
— General Grant's Telegram to President Lincoln.— Graphic De- 
scription of Sherman's Troops. — Mosby's Guerillas Capture a Mail 
Train. — Confederate Deserters at Meridian, Mississippi, Threaten 
to Kill the State Militia. — Sheridan's Cavalry Change Their Posi- 
tion. — Startling News Expected From Texas. 



General Grant Moves His Head-quar- 

o.TMo,>»« .o,>.. . .o^n ters to the Field.— Confederate Account 
SATURDAY APRIL 1, 1865. , t^. , i tvt -c^ ai i 

at Richmond. — News From Sherman's 

Army at Goldsboro, North Carolina. 
General Stoneman's Forces take Boone, North Carolina. — Sheri- 
dan's Cavalry Moving Down the Boydtown Plank Road.— The 
Fifth Army Corps in Battle.— An Assault by the Twenty-fourth 
Army Corps.— News From Raleigh, North Carolina.— Tlie Confed- 
erate Report From Richmond.— The News From the Petersburg 
Front.— New York Quotation on Gold.— -Clothing Issued to Sher- 



THE LAST I^OUR WEKKS OE THE WAR. ix 



man's Army. — Confederate News From Petersburo^. — Confederates 
Flanked by the Fifth Army Corps. — General Meade Arranging for 
an Attack on the Entire Line in Front of Petersburg. — Thomas' 
Army not Caring for Chickens. — The Second Army Corps in Action. 
The Confederate Attack on the Twenty-fourth Army Corps.— The 
Sixth Army Corps News. — The Ninth Army Corps in Battle. — The 
Second Army Corps in Battle. — Prices in Petersburg. — General 
Steele's Forces at Pensacola, Florida. — News From New Orleans. 
General Grant's Telegram.— General Grant's Promise to President 
Lincoln. — Canby's Army at Mobile. — The East Tennessee Kailroad 
Open to Bull's Gap.— Pirates on the Pawtuxet Eiver, — Union Ac- 
count From Mobile. — Confederate Account From Selma, Alabama. 
Confederate Account From Mobile, Alabama. 



Tiie Account From the Army of the 

Potomac. — Confederate Account of the 
SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 1865. .. '^^•. i n., ^ ., a 

Alarm in Kichmond.— The Fourth Army 

Corps at Shields Mills. Tennessee. — The 

Petersburg Front. — Confederate News from Augusta, Georgia. 

The Great Battle Fought at Petersburg. — The Sixth Army Corps in 

Battle. — The Sixth, Twenty-fourth, Twenty-fifth, Second, Ninth 

and Ten til Corps' Desperate Assault on the Confederate Lines at 

Petersburg. 



The Surrender of Kichmond, With 

Graphic Description of the Entry of the 

MONDAY, APRIL 3, 1865. tt • a mu t- f- ^ 

Union Army. The Evacuation of 

Petersburg. — The Appearance of a 
Union Newspaper in Petersburg.— The Burning of Kichmond. — 
Description of Libby Prison and Castle Thunder.— The Jubilees 
Held in New York, Washington, Philadelphia and Boston, Over the 
Fall of Richmond. — Confederate News from Selma, Alabama. — The 
Union Army at Amelia Court House,— The War Department Dis- 
patches. — The Appearance of Colored Union Troops on the Streets 
of Petersburg Singing.— General Wilson's Troops Take Possession 
of Selma, Ala.— Flight of Jefferson Davis From Richmond.— The 
Situation at Petersburg.— Union Bands Parading the Streets of 
Petersburg.— A Review of the Last Days of the Union Army in 
Front of Petersburg. 



X 'THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

The Kichmond Whig Appears as a 

Union Paper.— President Lincoln 

TUESDAY, APRIL 4,1865. , . . ^. , i rm, a ^ 

Arrives in Richmond.— The Army of 

the Potomac in the Field. — President 
Lincoln Sends a Message From Richmond. — The New York Tri- 
bune's Editorial of This Morning on the Fall of Richmond.— 
The News at City Point, Virginia. — The News From Richmond. 
— Pirates at Fair Haven, Herring Bay. — Sheridan's Cavalry Opera- 
ting With the Second and Sixth Army Corps. — General Grant's 
Telegram From the Field. — Federal Prisoners Brought Into Char- 
lotte, North Carolina. — The Artillery Attack on Mobile, Alabama. 
— Confederate News From Mobile. — Confederate News From Dan- 
vTife, Virginia. — The Army of the Potomac in Pursuit of Lee's 
Army. — The Time Sherman's Men are Having in North Carolina. 
— Confederate Account From Montgomery, Alabama. 



Sherman's Army at Goldsboro. — News 

..,.-r^.■.-o,^«^/ .r>«.. ^ ,„^^ Fiom Chai'leston, South Carolina.— Al- 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL, 5, 1865. , ^ , ^r , 

abama Overrun by i ankees. — T h e 

Army of the Potomac in Pursuit of 
Lee's Army. — Confederate Account of the Evacuation of Rich- 
mond. — General Grant at Burkesville, Virginia. — Water Communi- 
cation Opened at Richmond. — Confederate News From Mont- 
gomery, Alabama. — General Sheridan's Letter to General Grant. 



"Old Abe" in Luck.— Sherman's Men 

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 1865. ^* f " ^^ ^^^ ^""^^ ^^ Richmond. -Han- 
cock's Army Moving Down the Shen- 
andoah Valley. — News in Washington. 
-New York News. — The Second and Sixth Corps on the Wing. 



The Sixtli Corps in Pursuit of Lee's 

FRIDAY, APRIL 7. 1866. Army -Correspondence Between Gen- 

erals Giant and Lee. — Johnston's Army 

Reported as Going Toward Richmond. 

— Sherman After Him.— New York Tribune's Editorial on 

"Grant's Advance." — The Army of the Potomac in the Field. — 

Texas Never Again to be a State in the Union.— An Auction Sale 

at Augusta, Georgia. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OK THE WAR. XI 

Canby's Army at Mobile. — Selma, Ala- 
bama, Captured and Burned. — Corres- 
SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 1865. /v.. ^ ^ ^ ^ i 

pondence between Generals Grant and 

Lee. — The Richmond News. — In the 
Field After Lee. — The Opening of a Theatre in Richmond With the 
Sentimental Song Sang on the Sta^e.— News From Fortress Mon- 
roe, Virginia. — Account From Montgomery, Alabama. — The Daily 
Constitutionalist, Augusta, Georgia, Editorial ''Individual Jaun- 
dice." 



The Surrender of Lee's Army at Ap- 

pomatox Court House, Virginia. — News 
SUNDAY, APRIL 9, 1865. . ^,r , • ^ a i \ft n^ a 

at Washington. — Scliofield's Army in 

North Carolina.— Sherman's Army 
Hears of the Fall of Richmond.--The Twenty-fourth Corps at the 
Surrender.— The Second, Sixth, and Fifth Corps at the Surrender.— 
Mosby's Guerillas Disband.— Taking the Oath at Sandusky, Ohio. 
—Sheridan's Cavalry at Appomatox, Court House, Viiginia.— Sher- 
man's Men Called Bummers.— Confederate Account of Kirby 
Smith's Forces. 



News at Vicksbnrg. — Norfolk News. — 
Nashville News. — Lee's Surrender at 
MONDAY, APRIL 10, 1865. chattanooga.-Confederate Account of 
Lee's Surrender. 



Patrolling Lee's Army.— News From 

Appomatox Court House, Virginia.— 

TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 1865. ^^^^^^^^^ j,^,^^^ Lynchburg, Virginia.- 

The Market Prices at Columbus, 
Georgia.— Lynchburg, Virginia, in the Hands of the Federals. 



Mrs. R. E. Lee Insulted by Having a 
Colored Guard Placed at the Front of 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1865. ^j^^. Residence.-Mosby Says He Will 
Not Give Up.— Longstreet's Corps Pa- 
i-oled — The Stars and Stripes Afloat at Mobile —Stoneman's Com- 
mand Captures Salisbury.— Thomas' Army Capture Montgomery. 
—News From Washington.— Savannah News. 



xn THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

News From Charleston. — Kilpatrick's 

THURSDAY. APRIL t3. t865. ^'"'"■■y '^J ^^1^'""'* "i'?'"; f ."^ 
Fourteenth Army Corps Enter Raleish. 

— Recruiting and Drafting Stopped. — 

Sherman's Troops Go Into Raleigh. — Washington News. — News 

From the Fourth Army Corp«. 



One of the Songs Sang by Sherman's 

FRIDAY. APRIL ,4. 1366. A"ny--Jol;nstO" Keported as Having 
Surrendered. — The Stars and Stripes 
Hoisted on Fort Sumter. — The New 
York Tribune's Editorial.— General Stonemyn's Troops Reported 
Between Danville and Greensboro. — The Assassination of President 
Lincoln. — Attempted Assassination of Secretary Seward. — News 
From Sherman's Left Wins:. 



Mrs. John Tyler Compelled to Give up 
SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 1835. ^ Confederate Flag.-New York News. 
— Johnston Preparing to Surrender. — 
President Lincoln's Death. — A Reward 
Offered for the Assassin. — Gloom in New York Over the Death of 
PresidentLincoln.— Booth's Letter Written Before the Assassina- 
tion. 



Inaugaration of President Johnston. — 
SUNDAY, APRIL 16, 1865. Confederate Force Under General Im- 
boden in West Virginia Surrenders. 



MONDAY, APRIL 17, 1865. 



Sherman's Army at Raleigh. — Guerillas 
Surrender at Louisville. — G u e r i 1 1 a s 
About Washington. — Secretary Sew- 
ard's Condition. — Generals Sherman 
and Johnston in Conference. — Arniy of the Potomac in the Field. — 
Mosby Surrenders. — General Sherman Goes to Durham Station. 
North Carolin;!. — Confederate News at Augusta, Georgia. 



Johnston Surrenders His Arm}^ — News 
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1865, in Raleigh. — Artillery Capturt^d Since 
December First by the Union Forces. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. Xlll 

Ne«:otiations Between Generals Sher- 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 1865. man and Johnston Ended. — Kalei<i;h 

News. — Funeral of President Lincoln. 



The Dailyni Kebels Editorial on the As- 
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1865. sassination of President Lincoln. — N'ews 
From Sherman's Army. 



Moseby's Farewell Address to His Com- 
FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 1865. mand.— General E well's Last Letter to 
General Lee. 



Dispersion of the Army of the Potomac. 

o.,M,.nx, .,,0.. «„ .o^r. —Union Prisoners From Andersonville 
SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 1865. , . . tt- 1 i mu • ^\r 

Arrive at Vicksburg on Their Way 

Home. — General Stoneman's Account of 

the Buining of Southern Prisons. 



Confederate Editorial on the Assassina- 
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1865. tion of President Lincoln. — News From 
Atlanta. 



Tlie Completion of Johnston's Sur- 
render with Graphic Account of Same. 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 1865. rnu r. ^ i 1. .-i f 4.u Ao 

— The Capture and Death of the As- 



JefF Thompson's Confederate Forces In- 
FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 1865. ^^^y^^^^ Missouri. 



SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 1865. Review of Wilson's Raid. 



XIV THE LAST FOUR WKEKS OF THE WAR. 

Sherman's Army Start Home. — A Fare- 
SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 1865. well to Jefferson Davis by the Ealeigh 

Proo-ress. 



Artenuis Wartl's Letter From Eich- 
MONDAY, MAY 1,1885. mond.— Sherman's Army Homeward 
Bound. 



TUESDAY, MAY 2, 1865. 



Lawless Conduct of Union Soldiers. — 
Confederate Eesolutlons Passed b y 
Hardeman's Brigade in Texas. — The 
Twentieth Corps Homeward Bound. — 
General Johnston's Farewell. 



The Twentieth Corps Still Marching. — 
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3. 1865. The Fifth Corps at Manchester, Vir- 
ginia. 



THURSDAY, MAY 4, 865. 



Confederate General Dick Taylor Sur- 
renders. — Sherman's Army on its Way 
to Washington. — Account of General 
Taylor's Surrender. 



Slierman's Line Keeps Moving. — The 
FRIDAY, MAY 5, 1865. Sixteenth Corps Arrives at Mont- 
gomery, Alabama. 



A Southern Author Arrested and 
SATURDAY, MAY 6, 1865. Placed in Prison.— General Dick Tay- 
lor's Eemarks to His Command. 



"THE IvASI" P'OUR WKEKS OI^ O'HE WAR. XV 

The Army of the Tennessee Reach 
Petersburg. — Dick Turner the Confed- 
MONDAY, MAY 8, 1865. erate Keeper of Libby Prison, is Locked 
up in the Same and Does Not Appre- 
ciate it. 



Sherman's Army Arrives at Peters- 
THURSDAY, MAY 9. 1865. burg.— Parolling Johnston's Army at 
Raleigli. 



Surrender of Confederate Forces in 
WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 1865. Florida to General McCook.— Capture 
of Jefierson Davis. 



Shernuiu's Army Passes Through Rich- 
THURSDAY, MAY 11, 1865. mond.- The Rebel Ram Stonewall at 
Havana. 



MONDAY, MAY 15, 1865. 



TUESDAY, MAY 16, 1865. 



Governor Joseph Brown, of Georgia, a 
Prisoner at Nashville. 



General Sheridan's Account of the Bat- 
tle at Five Forks. 



SATURDAY, MAY 20, 1865. 



Confederate General Imboden's Order 
Against Union Prisoners of War. 



TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1865. 



The First Day of the Grand Review in 
Washington. -Jefferson Davis a Prisoner 
at Fortress Monroe, Virginia.-The l^ixth 
Corps' March through Richmond. 



xvi THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

Kirby Smith Reiidy to Surrender.— Tlie 
WEDNESDAY. MAY 24, 1865. Second Day of the Grand Keview at 
Washinofton. 



Gener tl Johnston's Cause for Surrend- 

THURSDAY, MAY 25, 1 865. «"»« ^'' Army.-News From Texas.- 
Alexander H. Stephans Arrives at Fort 
Warren, Boston Harbor. 



SATURDAY, MAY 27, 1865. Kirby Smith Surrenders. 



General Sherman's Farewell to His 
TUESDAY, MAY 30, 1865. 

Army. 



FRIDAY. JUNE 2, 1865. General Grant's Farewell to the Army. 



THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 1865. The lieview of tlie Sixth Corps. 



FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 1865. The Twenty-third Corps Mustered Out. 



WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1865. General Meade's Farewell to His Army. 



Saturday, March 25, 1865 



Turner's Division of Gibbon's 

Army of the James Corps, Army of the James, was 

^'mTpcS "r^i'sBB^'" despatched to the Chickahominy 

Union Account. for the purpose of Supporting 

Sheridan in his crossing, in case 

of an attack by the enemy. 



At 5 o'clock this morning the 

Ninth Army Corps. Rebels camc iu great force to cap- 

'"^T*°?oI''fo«'.^'^'" ture Fort Steadman. The time 

{March 25, 1865. • i • • i i 

Union Account. occupicd lu crossiug the grouud 

between the lines was but a mo- 
ment, when they were in the rear of the fort. Here 
they formed in line of battle, and while one portion ad- 
vanced on the fort, the other swept the right, in toward 
the Appomattox river, expecting to flank and capture 
the whole line to that point. They were met by the 
Seventeenth Michigan and driven back, after a severe 
fight. The Rebels who attacked the fort were several 
times repulsed by the garrison, but their numbers being 
so superior to ours, they finally overpowered and took 
prisoners all who were in it. General Wilcox's com- 
mand now came from the right, and drove the enemy 
from the line on the right of the fort. Gen. Hartranft's 
Division, on the left, was quick on the ground with re- 
enforcements, and assaulted the fort from the rear, which 
the Rebels seemed determined to hold at all hazards. 
Three repeated charges were made, and then the fight 
was over. The Rebels surrendered. 



l8 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Battery ii, to the left of Fort Steadman, was also in 
the enemy's possession, but they could not hold it but 
for a few moments. 

Our loss in killed and wounded and prisoners, is be- 
lieved to be about 500, one-third of whom are prob- 
ably prisoners. 

It was reported that the Rebels carried off three 
mortars, but this has proven a mistake. They took one 
over the side of the fort, but in their hasty retreat left 
it just outside our breast-works. It will be brought in 
to-night. 

We have taken from the Rebels 1,800 prisoners, 
among whom are about forty officers. The Rebel Gen- 
eral Terry, who had charge of the assault, is reported 
killed. 

At one o'clock a flag of truce was arranged, between 
General Hartranft and the Rebel General Gordon, to 
bury the dead and care for the wounded, from two until 
four o'clock p. m. While doing so, the works on both 
sides were lined with soldiers, watching the proceedings. 

The Third Maryland and the One Hundredth Penn- 
sylvania exhibited great bravery to-day. 

Five stands of colors were taken by General Wilcox's 
Division. 

The Ninth Corps has, to-day, paid the Rebels back 
for their defeat at the Petersburg mine explosion, and 
in the future the Rebels will esteem them. 



At six o'clock this morning the 
Army of the Potomac. enemy masscd four divisious of 

In Front of Petersburg, Va. Qeueral Gordou's CorpS, COU- 
IVlarch25, 1865. . . ^ ^ . ^ ^ -^ ' , 

Union Account. sistiug of Bushrod Johusou's, 

Evans' and Grier's commands, 
in front of the point of our line held by the First Divi- 
sion of the Ninth Army Corps. By a bold dash one of 
the enemy's divisions made a rush at Fort Steadman, 
capturing it with four guns, also our Batteries 9 and 10. 
Into the fort and Battery 10 they swarmed, shot down 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 19 

our gunners, and for a time held possession. They 
quickly turned the guns on our men as they fell back, 
firing canister into our ranks with fearful effect. This 
state of affairs, however, was brief. The Third Divi- 
sion of the Ninth Corps charged upon the rear of the 
captured works and quickly had possession of our com- 
plete works again, taking all the Rebels that were there. 
This discouraged the enemy, when he fell back to his 
line. 

As soon as his attack was disposed of, a counter at- 
tack was made by the left of our line. The Second 
Corps advanced the left of its line, formed up the First 
and Third Divisions, with the Second Division in re- 
serve. After very hard fighting, the left of the line 
gained about three miles of ground, the enemy falling 
back to his rear line of breast-works. The Second 
Corps is now near the Boydtown Plank Road, which is 
held by the Rebels. 



President Lincoln, with Generals 
Army of the Potomac. Grant and Ingalls, came up from 

In Front of Petersburg, q|^ p^-j^l- ^^ ^ special train. 

March 25, 1865. ^ ■' . 1 r 1 -1 j 

Union Account. They wcut mto the tield and 

witnessed the attack made by the 
Second and Sixth Corps. This is President Lincoln's 
first appearance on a battle-field. The position he oc- 
cupied was in range of the enemy's bomb-shells, several 
of which exploded near him. 



The result of to-day's battle dem- 
Army of the Potomac. oustratcs the fact that the Rebels 

In Front of Petersburg, Va., ^ ^^g^ heart iu their CaUSC. 

March 25, 1865. _. , j A 

Union Account. Large uumbcrs are ready and 

willing to lay down their arms 
and give up the struggle. After they had gained pos- 
session of Fort Steadman, they began at once to plun- 
der the baggage in the tents, in spite of their officers' 



ao THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

protests. Those who remained in line fought with 
nothing like the enthusiasm exhibited last summer. 
When the Rebels determined to return to their line, 
hundreds of their men ran and hid in our bomb-proofs, 
waiting for our boys to take them prisoners. 



At 1 1 o'clock this morning, Gen- 
Lee's Army. eral Lee attacked the Yankee 
m'*"'uo"'"^;oI^,:' Fort, Battery No. 5, near this 

March 25, 1865. . ' . -^ . . ^\ 

Confederate Account. City — the ouc that has been pour- 

ing its shells through this city 

for a long time, — and captured it with 700 prisoners and 

several guns. This will interfere with Grant's left wing, 

which is operating against the railroad. 

It is reported that Grant is moving heavy bodies of 
troops toward Weldon, to re-enforce Sherman. 

It is very cold to-night. The wind is piercing to our 
brave Southerners on the picket lines in front of this 
city. 



Our government has determined 
Augusta, Ga., ^q avenpfc the recent official 

March 25, 1865. , r r\ - • -r* n r tt- 

Confederate Account. murdci of Captain Beall, of Vir- 
ginia, who was hung recently 
near New York City. It is said that the lot has fallen 
to Maj. Gen. Crook, of the Yankee army, who will cer- 
tainly be made " pull hemp " as an atonement for the 
wicked murder of Captain Beall. 



A desperate fight occurred be- 
cairo, Illinois, twccu twenty of our troops and 

March25. 1865. , ■' ... , , • , ^ m 

Confederate Account. SCVCUty gUCrillaS, thirty milcS 

from Paducah, Kentucky, on 
Wednesday night. Twenty guerillas were killed in- 
cluding McPougall, their chief. We lost Captain 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 21 



McGregor, who was killed. General Meredith has de- 
tachments out scouring the country with the expecta- 
tion of cleaning the guerillas from the Kentacky shore. 



The Yankees burned, destroyed 

Augusta, Georgia, ^^^ CVaCUatcd DaltOU SCVCral 

March 25, 1865, , ^^ ^ tttt j 

Union Account. days ago. About i,ooo of Wood- 

ford's cavalry command moved 
to a point about eighteen miles north of Dalton, on a 
tour of observation. 



Louisville, Kentucky, Yesterday ii8 prisoners of war, 
March 25, 1865, embracing several officers, 102 

Union Account. privates and two citizens, left 

the Military Prison here for Camp Chase in Ohio. 
Among the lot were four seamen, of the defunct *'Con- 
federate States Navy," captured near Kingston, East 
Tennessee, while trying to burn the United States 
boats on that stream. 



This is now a very important 
Goidsboro, N. c, point. General Sherman entered 

March 25, 1865. Ti . • ^ -•, t 

Union Account. the towu, m pcrsou, while the 

bands played, the cannon boomed 
and the town generally was brim full of joy. On 
Thursday he reviewed the Army of the Ohio. Their 
appearance, he was frank to say, was not as gaudy as he 
had seen them, but, considering what they had done, 
and the time in which they had done what they did, he 
did not think they were an army to be ashamed of. He 
knew what they were worth and what they could do 
under such as General Schofield, and was proud of 
them. 



22 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OK THE WAR. 

Yesterday — Friday — that part of Sherman's Army in 
this city was also reviewed. Many would have failed 
to "pass muster" had it been any other place and any 
other time than this. Many were but half clad ; some 
without hats ; some barefooted ; and others minus a 
coat, &c. They certainly looked like the tried and 
true of many battles. 

General Sherman, in his speech to-day, said, "We've 
whipped Johnston and can do it again." 

The entrance of Sherman's army into this place was 
a very comical affair. Carts with a half dozen mules 
hitched tandem, loaded with geese, turkeys, and chick- 
ens, all of which were adding their say in the move- 
ment, came in with the head, center and tail of the army. 
Soldiers mounted on mules, some leading sheep, others 
with hogs before and behind them, and the general 
army carrying living supplies with them, was an amus- 
ing sight. 

At half past four o'clock this 
Army of the Potomac momiuor, the cucmy, by a stronef 

In Front of Petersburg, j ^ j -^i, ^ j 

March 25, 1865. ^^^ suddcu assault, capturcd 

Union Account. Fort Stcadmau, but after a vig- 

orous contest the fort was re- 
taken by our troops, with i,6oo prisoners, two battle 
flags, and all the guns uninjured. Gen. McLaughlin 
was captured by the Rebels. The enemy afterward 
assaulted Fort Haskell, but were repulsed, with severe 
loss. The Rebel prisoners we here captured number 
2,700. The Rebels lost in killed and wounded, proba- 
bly not less than 3,000. Our loss is estimated at 800. 
During the Rebel assault on Fort Haskell, General 
Humphrey's command opened up on the left with 
great promptness, capturing 100 Rebels, and causing 
the enemy to return the re-enforcements sent against 
Forts Steadman and Haskell. 

At the point where the enemy charged, the main 
lines are only 150 yards apart. The ground between 



THE I.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 23 

the lines is level and free from obstructions, except the 
usual rows of wire fastened near the ground to trip 
the ambitious Confederate or Yankee, in his effort to 
move forward with speed. 



A Federal column of from 1,500 

MaTcr2ri865' ^^ ^'^°° Stroug, StrUck the Ala- 

Confederate' Account, bam a and Florida Railroad sev- 

enty miles below here — in the 
neighborhood of Garland station — yesterday morning. 
The passenger train which left here Thursday after- 
noon was captured by the enemy. The passengers 
were robbed and the cars destroyed. They stated that 
they were on their way to Greenville, forty-three miles 
below here. 



Our preparations for the protec- 
Mobiie, Alabama, ^{^^ of ^i^jg ^ity are Complete. 

March 25, 1865. ,^, ri ^ r^ 

Confederate Account. We are uow able to meet any 
force Canby can get together to 
besiege the city. We have provisions for at least six 
months, and now the ship is ready — let the foe come 
on. He should, however, be met and whipped before 
he reaches our defenses. Once there, he will com- 
mence digging, and in a short time will have works as 
strong as those thrown up at Vicksburg. Let Canby be 
met, if possible, before he has an opportunity to ac- 
complish much. If he be allowed to sit down, where 
he chooses, and there fortify himself, we will have a 
a great deal of trouble, when the time comes, to move 
him. Shall we protect Mobile or not ? This is in your 
hands and should be answered at once. 



24 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR, 



New York, 
March 25, 1865. 



Robert Cobb Kennedy, con- 
victed of being a Rebel spy, 
was to-day executed at Fort La- 
fayette. He was shockingly profane, and sang a song 
while the executioner was adjusting the rope around 
his neck as follows : 

"Trust to luck, trust to luck. 
Stare fate in the face, 
For jour heart will be aisy 
It" it's in the right place." 



New York, 
March 25, 1365. 



Gold is quiet. Prices opened 
at 157 >^, but was found too high, 
and fell back to i53>^. 



Newbern, N. C, 

March 25, 1865. 

Union Account. 



This place has become one of in- 
terest since Sherman's army is at 
Morehead City. Everything in 
the way of supplies is shipped 
here, and the town is fast assuming importance as a 
point of business. All supplies for Sherman, Schofield 
and Terry's armies must pass through here and be re- 
shipped. 

The special agent of the Post Office Department has 
just fitted up large rooms, as a distributing office for 
Sherman's army. 



'' At daylight this morning Gen. 
Gordon assaulted and carried the 
enemy's works at Hare's Hill, 
capturing nine pieces of artillery, 
eight mortars, and between 500 
and 600 prisoners, among them one Brigadier General 
and a number of officers of lower grades. The lines 



Gen. Lee's Letter. 
Petersburg, Va., 
March 25, 1865. 
Confederate Account. 



THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 25 

were swept for a distance of 400 or 500 yards to the 
right and left, and two efforts were made to recover the 
works which were handsomely repulsed, but it was 
found that the inclosed works in the rear could only be 
taken at a terrible sacrifice of life, and the troops were 
withdrawn to their original position. It being impos- 
sible to move the guns captured owing to the ground, 
they were dismantled and left." 



Generals Bushrod Johnson and 
Petersburg va Gordou stormcd the enemy's 

March 25, 1865. ^ . ^ _ /. 

Confederate Account. Dreast-WOrks On OUr left thlS 

morning, and drove the enemy 
one mile, capturing his works and 500 prisoners. We 
captured the Yankee General Mclyaughlin and many 
other officers. The enemy massed his artillery heavily 
in the neighborhood of the captured fort, and was thus 
enabled to pour such a terrible fire upon our ranks as 
to cause our troops to fall back to their original posi- 
tion. 



Much unjust abuse has been 
Raleigh, N, c. heaped upon the cavalry under 

March 25, 1865. ^ ttti^ 1 n^v, j • 

Confederate Account. Geu. Wheeler. The maraudmg 
and plundering charged to them 
has been done by others. A more orderly or well-be- 
haved set of men than Gen. Wheeler's cannot be found 
anywhere. We are of opinion that the Yankee sympa- 
thizers know more than Wheeler's men as to where, 
when, and how the plundering is done, as the woods 
here are full of them. 



There are no less than from 300 
Raleigh, N. c, ^q ^qq dcscrtcrs in the lower end 

clZTJaie \fclmi. of Pitt Couuty, N. C, committing 
all sorts of depredations on cit- 
izens by stealing their horses, negroes and provisions. 



26 THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OK THE WAR. 

It is reported they get $200 for every fine horse they 
carry to the Yankees ; and $400 for every able-bodied 
negro fit for service. They are stealing negroes and 
horses every night in some portion of the country. 
They also take all provisions, such as bacon and pork, 
and leave families perfectly destitute. 



General Lee has broken through 
Petersburg, Va., Grant's liues, carrying them by 

March 25, 1865, ,, . • i 

Confederate Account. assault, capturiug a large num- 
ber of prisoners, thus opening 
the campaign in a different way from that Grant was 
looking for. General Lee's army is the same to-day as 
it was in the Wilderness, at Spottsylvania Court House 
and Gaines' Farm. The battle to-day demonstrates 
this. The Yankee army is a body of new recruits, as 
the old veterans have become disgusted and gone home. 
Those who have staid in our neighborhood, sleep be- 
neath a light covering of dirt, from the Rapidan to 
Hatcher's Run. Lee's veterans still confront the 
enemy, and when they make up their mind to do a 
thing, they do it, and do it right. To-day has proven 
this. 



So far everything is encouraging. 
Raleigh, N. c, jj^ ^]^g affair which occurred a few 

March 25, 1865. ^ . , , - 

Confederate Account. days siucc, between Hardcc's and 
Sherman's forces, we repulsed 
successfully five assaults upon our lines, and held the 
position until our object was effected. In drawing oflf 
we lost two guns, because the horses had been killed. 
Our loss was about 400 killed and wounded; the enemy's 
about 3,000. On Sunday we gained a decided advan- 
tage, the enemy being driven several miles with heavy 
loss. We captured some artillery and all told, did well. 
We learn to-day that Goldsboro, N. C, has been evac- 
uated, but it is not official. 



THE LAST FOUR WEKKS OF THE WAR. 27 

We also hear that some of our deserters are plunder- 
ing the homes of the residents of Darke county, this 
State. 



Th^ Whig of to-day has an ac- 

»?''''!"o".''\!L' count of a meeting held at Wythe- 

March 25, 1 865. .,- - , ^ - / . 

Confederate Account. Vllle for the purpOSC of receiving 

contributions of food for Lee's 
army in Richmond. The donations amounted to about 
one day's short rations for the army now in this city. 

The Whig also says : "The check administered by 
Johnston to Sherman, at Bentonville, interferes essen- 
tially with the campaign of that cocawhoop leader and 
the combinations of Grant. The importance of the late 
battle at Bentonville will be appreciated. The blow 
struck there was as much a blow for the safety of the 
city as that delivered at Cold Harbor last year. Gen- 
eral Johnston, and General Lee, under whom he acts, 
can be in no uncertainty as to the vital necessity of 
continuing to oppose an unmovable front to Sherman's 
advance. If he cannot be destroyed, as we devoutly 
trust he may be, he must, at any cost, be kept from 
coining forward — not that Richmond, as Richmond, is 
of so much value, but that, for reasons which need not 
be explained, its surrender to the enemy is a thing not 
to be thought of while its defense is possible. In this 
view we cannot award too much credit, or render too 
much gratitude to the gallant leader and devoted men 
who have said to Sherman, 'Thus far and no farther.' " 



It is the talk here that Grant is 

Richmond, Va., sendingre-eiiforcemeutstoGolds- 

coSerate ^'c'ol;.. boro, N. C. This is not official, 

however, nor do we believe it is 

true. A single mistake by Sherman at this time, 

would result differently from his calculations. 



28 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

The Yankee papers chronicle the rise in the price of 
flour here to $1,500 per barrel, which occurred a few 
days ago. This is certainly proof of the fact that 
every occurrence in Richmond is immediately known 
in Washington. How can success be possible, with 
every movement we make being known by the enemy 
the very instant it occurs ? This city is evidently alive 
with Unionists, who no doubt, are in some way con- 
nected with a secret-service which is hard at work 
against us. 

Considerable interest is felt in the movements of 
Pickett's division, and as to what their programme is. 
They have been ordered to the Petersburg depot and to 
proceed to Petersburg. Indications point to a decisive 
movement of some nature. The marching of so many 
of our troops, through the streets of this city to-day, has 
led us to believe that there is foundation for the 
rumor afloat, that L^ee is about to evacuate. 



North Carolina refugees, who 

^March^25"'i865" havc just rcachcd this city, say 

Union Ac'eount. that two-thirds of the people of 

the State, in and about Fayette- 
ville, are Unionists. The re-appearance of the Stars 
and Stripes brought to many tears of joy. Provisions 
they report as being plenty, but money is very scarce. 
Flour is worth, in Confederate money, $750 per barrel; 
corn meal, $60 per bushel; brandy, per glass, $10; 
whisky, per glass, $5 ; men's shoes, $250 per pair ; 
men's felt hats, $150 each ; shoddy coats are sold at 
$500 and other things in proportion. One dollar in 
gold is worth $125 in Confederate money. 

Clothing has been sent to Beaufort, N. C., for Sher- 
man's army. 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 29 

A gentleman just arrived from 
Washington, D. c. Richmond, says that the Rebels 

March 25, 1865. j . . ' ^^ , . 

admit that Sherman's army has 
damaged them to the amount of $50,000,000. He rep- 
resents the strength of the Rebel army at Richmond as 
all of 60,000, excluding 10,000 home-guards and emer- 
gency men. He does not believe that Johnston has to 
exceed 45,000 men, though he has drawn several divi- 
sions from Richmond. Deep gloom prevails in Rich- 
mond as everybody seems to believe that the day of 
reckoning is not far off. 



Five hundred Rebel deserters 
Washington, D. c, havc bccu rcccivcd here since one 

March 25, 1865. - 11 r 1 1 

week ago, all of whom have 
taken the oath of allegiance, and many are here pro- 
vided with funds, as the government pays them for 
their arms. 



General Stoneman's command 

Wautanga Bridge, Tenn., j^^g ^^ ^^^^^^ rapid advaUCC, UU- 
March 25, 1865. '1 1 j j m r 

Union Account. covcrcd over a hundred miles 01 

railroad formerly controlled by 
the Confederates. They move along at a speed that 
the Rebels cannot check, and it is hard to tell just where 
they will not yet turn up. It is not an easy matter to 
follow Stoneman's boys. 



This Corps was engaged at about 
Second Army Corps, dark, to-day. Ovcr 400 prisou- 

In Front of Petersburg, Va., fg^^ ^^^^ ^^^ hauds. We are 

March 25, 1865. . ^ tt .l 1 > -n 

Union Account. Stationed near Hatcher's Run. 

It is reported that the Rebel 
General Gordon was seen urging his men to fight, and 



30 THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

swearing at them for their cowardice, ending with, 
*'By God, just as I thought, — the men won't fight," 
after which he left and was not afterward seen. 



This corps made an attack to- 
sixth Army Corps, day ou the front of Fort Fisher. 

'"''M"arch^2ri'865^'^^'' ^^^ "^^^^^^ Divisiou led the 
u^nion Account.' assault. Shortly after noon the 

line of battle was formed and the 
order to advance was given. In a short time we 
had possession of the enemy's entire line of rifle pits, 
and captured nearly all of the occupants. We brought 
in over 600 prisoners. Our loss is small. 



The Sixth Corps pushed forward 
Another Account. to-day to test the Strength of the 

enemy's line along the center 
and right. The Rebel skirmish line fell back as the 
Sixth went on under a fierce fire from their batteries, 
and drove them into their defenses. We came to a 
halt and took steps to hold the ground we had gained. 
By this advance we are now entrenched in the Rebel 
picket-line and will stay there. We lost to-day about 
100 men. 



Our losses are much larger than 
Ninth Army Corps, supposcd. The First Divisiou 

In Front of Peter sb^.rg, Va., ^^^^ inhospital l6o WOUudcd and 
March 25, 1865. ^ ^ ^ 

Union Account. thirty are known to nave been 

. killed. The Third Division hos- 
pital has 166 wounded and about thirty- two killed. The 
Second Division was not regularly engaged, yet they 
have in the hospital 130 wounded. 

The killed on both sides were exchanged late this 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR, 31 

afternoon, the Confederates showing more courtesy than 
heretofore. 



Information from Weldon shows 
Goidsboro, N. c, |-|^at the Rebels have removed 

March 25, 1865. . r .1 • r ^1 • 

Union Account. niost of their guns from their 

works and are sending them to 
Richmond. The enemy has some 12,000 cavalry in 
our front, under Wheeler and Hampton. Yesterday 
they captured and hanged three of our foragers, within 
two miles of our out-posts. 

Kilpatrick boys were engaged yesterday evening. 
The firing was very heavy for two hours. Reports of 
the fight have not yet come in. 

Ivarge Rebel mails, just captured, show the utmost 
despondency throughout the South. 

The first train from Kinston arrived here this morn- 
ing. 

Our loss in the fighting of last week is estimated at 
1,500. 



Sunday, March 26, 1865, 



General Sheridan's whole cav- 
Bermuda Hundred, va., ^jj-y fQ^-^e crossed the James 

March 26. 1865. „.-^ ^-r^ t>,, , i .^ 

Union Account. River at Deep Bottom to-day to 

join Grant. Everything goes to 
show that a decisive movement is near. 



Sheridan and his cavalry have 
In Front of Petersburg, Va., :^^^ arrived and are moving to 

the left of the line of the Army 
of the Potomac. 



March 26, 1865. 
Union Account. 



The weather this morning is 
Richmond, Va,, y^j-y disagreeable. The night 

March 26, 1865. "^ ^ 1 -, j .■• • • 

Confederate Account. WaS VCry Cold and thlS moming 

it is very windy, making one 
feel that summer is far away. 

Five hundred Yankees, captured in front of Peters- 
burg, were ushered into Libby Prison to-day. 

Some say that Lee is a failure. That his position 
should not be one of defense and that he should pounce 
upon the Federals and drive them from our front. 
This comes from a class who have not Southern blood. 
They should be driven out of town. 

General Breckenridge receives many dispatches from 
the front. He holds every message with a tight grasp, 
making us believe there is little encouragement in 
what he receives. Possibly we will, before night, get 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 33 

news from Lee that will please us. What a comfort 
it would be at this time. 

News of importance from General Johnston is very 
scarce. Our whole interest is now in Lee and John- 
ston, who, we hope, will give us cheering news before 
the morrow. 



The forces in East Tennessee, 
Washington, D. c, under Command of General 

March 26, 1865. ^^ ^ . - . . j 

Union Account. btouemau, havc, m their rapid 

advance, recovered more than 
one hundred miles of railroad and are driving the 
enemy, which is in confusion, before them. General 
Stoneman is noted for putting in an appearance at a 
time when the enemy are not looking for him. 



The Rebels are drawn up in 
In Front of Petersburg, va., double line of battle aloug their 
Union Account. front from the Appoiuattox River 

to Hatcher's Run, in anticipa- 
tion of an attack by our forces. 

Considerable skirmishing, sometimes very heavy, has 
been the day's doings in front of the Second and Sixth 
Corps. 

Our troops are massing on the left, preparatory to 
another movement on the South-side railroad. The 
Rebels are also massing on their right, to offset the 
movement we anticipate. Important movements are 
in progress that it would not be policy to state at this 
time. 



It is noticed that the enemy are 
Bermuda Hundred, Va., weakening: their force in our 

IVIarch26, 186'5. ^ ^ ^^ 1 r^ j • -j 

Union Account. ^^out. General Ord is wide 

awake and will possibly make 

an assault along this line from the James River to the 



34 ^HE I.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Appomattox before the day is over. From the noise we 
hear on the Petersburg front our boys are stiil at it. 



The march to-day of Sheridan's 
Appomattox River, va., cavalry from Mrs. Wilcox's 

March 26, 1865. ^ -' .. , -u ir r 

Union Account. P^acc, a mile and a half from 

James River, up along the 
Charles City Road, via General Ord's headquarters, 
and his pontoon bridge to this place, was not so pleas- 
ant as yesterday, the road not being so good, etc., but 
was not without interest. 

A grand reception was given to General Sheridan's 
braves by the veteran Army of the James, on our 
entrance into General Ord's lines. The frowning, 
bristling battlements swarmed with his men, coming 
out to meet and welcome the recognized heroes of the 
Valley. 

The bands of the forts struck up stirring martial airs, 
which were responded to by the bands of the cavalry 
host. Old comrades recognized each other after long 
separation, and fell upon each other's shoulders and 
wept of sheer joy at the grand reunion. 

The pontoon bridge across the James, through which 
the River Queen, the Margaret Washington, and the 
George Steers had just passed, was soon swung into 
position, and the trampling host were seen winding 
down the hills on the north side, across the river, over 
the valley, and up the hills on the south side of the 
James, where, at this writing, they are going into camp, 
for probably a two days' stay, previous to further 
important operations. 



General Sherman sent word to 
Faysor Depot, N. c. General Schofield that he would 

Marcli 26, 1865. , , . ^ -i^ t^ 4. 

union Account. meet him at Faysor Depot on 

Sunday. He kept his word. We 
reached here last night. 



THE I.AST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 35 

We received this morning copies of the Richmond 
papers of Friday, filled with extracts from our Northern 
papers. They contain but little news from Mobile or 
Richmond. 



" Broad Cloth. This article is 

Augusta, Georgia, ^^^ ^gj^J ^^ ^^q thoUSaud dollarS 

March 26, 1865. , . . . . ^,, ^ 

Confederate Account. per yard in this City. We have 
seen no one daring enough to 
indulge in the luxury of a new suit of broad cloth." 

Gold, $60 stiff; silver buying at $55, selling at $60. 
Confederate securities dull. Cotton 99c per pound ; very 
few sales. Flour $500 per barrel; coffee $60 per pound; 
sugar $20 per pound, crushed $25 per pound; rice $4.50 
per pound; salt $4 to $5 per pound; iron $3 to $5 per 
pound; whisky $100 to $200 per gallon; calico $20 to 
$30 per yard ; pepper $12 per pound; chickens $8 to $12 
per pair; eggs $6 to $7 per dozen; butter $10 to $13 per 
pound; corn meal $40 per bushel, corn $35 per bushel. 
[From the market report of the Daily Constitutionalist, 
Augusta, Georgia.] 



^jg Preparations for defense are very 

March 26, 1865. Complete, aiid provisions to last 

Confederate Account. gj^ moilths are in the city. 



A Yankee raiding party struck 

Montgomery, Ala., ^\^q Alabama and Florida Rail- 

CoSera.t'n„.. road, twenty miks below here, 

yesterday, and captured a tram. 

The enemy then moved down the railroad. His force 

is said to be 2,500 strong. 



36 THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Everything is quiet. Kilpat- 
Goidsboro, N. c, rick's cavalrv have been in a 

March 26, 1865. . . • 1 . j -.i tt i. 

Union Account. skirmish to-day with Hampton, 

above Cole's Bridge. 

Sherman's bummers have foraged around this com- 
munity so skillfully that the rooster fails to crow in the 
morning because he is not here, and if he was, the 
fence rail is not here upon which he can stand and flop 
his wings. The boys, however, claim that no roost has 
been tampered with, nor a fence been fired. 



The Army of the James was 
Bermuda Hundred, va., houorcd by a visit to-day from 

March 26, 1865. , 13 -j . ^i, T • 1 4- 

union Account. the President, the Lieutenant- 

General, Admiral Porter, and 
several other civil and military officials of note. The 
coming of the President has always but briefly pre- 
ceded activity in the army. He apparently desires to 
see the troops for himself, to examine into their disci- 
pline and general efficiency and to judge of their 
capabilities as soldiers for the performance of the work 
before them. At General Ord's headquarters every- 
thing was unusually active. The Howlett House Rebel 
battery keeps playing on Dutch Gap constantly. Very 
little damage is done by it, however. 



The Rebels are reported in large 
Alexandria, La., numbcrs about here, and are 

March 26, 1865. ^ ^1. • t^ i. -K t> 

Union Account. Strengthening Fort ^ DeRussey. 

They have been seizing prop- 
erty of the citizens and have given the community, in 
general, dissatisfaction. 



THK LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 37 

We are informed that the I^egis- 
canton, Miss., lature has decided that Georgia 

March 26, 1865. . . , ^ • ^ ^^ 

Confederate Account. IS gomg tO Operate agamst the 

government in arming negroes. 
We guess the negroes will go into the service regard- 
less of the Legislature. This fight must be won, and 
the slaves must be used in it when necessary. 



The Confederate ram Stonewall 
'■:,t:de:1X ■ ^as arrived here from Ferrol, 

where she left the Federal war 
steamers, Niagara and Sacramento, which are reputed 
to have shunned a conflict. 



General Steel's command, at 
Pensacoia, Fia., Nutshcll's Fork, to-dav camc in 

March 26, 1865. ^ ^ .^1 1! ^ • t,^ t,,. 

Union Account. coutact With about eight hun- 

dred Rebels. After a severe 
fight the enemy scattered in the woods, while many 
were captured. 



A detailed account of the battle 

Goidsboro, N. c, fought by Sherman's army in 

"unT:„t'o'o!'t- their progress to a junction with 

Schofield and Terry: 

The first fight is called the battle at Moore's Cross 

Roads. General Sherman, after leaving Fayetteville, 

decided to form a junction near Goidsboro. 

The enemy, General Hardee's forces, consisting of the 
Carolina and Georgia troops, released from Charleston 
and Savannah, had retired in the direction of Raleigh. 
It was necessary to deceive him as to the line of march, 
and make him believe Raleigh was the point proposed. 
Accordingly, the corps of General Slocum's command, 
the Twentieth, moved up the road to a point twelve 



38 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

miles in advance, where it halted, and allowed Kilpat- 
rick's cavalry to pass and take the front. 

As usual, he was in this case to cover the movement 
of the army in the direction of Goldsboro, by 
demonstrating and feigning well toward Raleigh. He 
had passed the Twentieth Corps, and reached a point 
four miles from Avery sborough, when the foragers, 
mounted and dismounted, came dashing in from the 
front, reporting the enemy's infantry to be advancing 
in line of battle. 

Kilpatrick deployed the Ninth Michigan Cavalry, 
and sent them rapidly forward to attack and hold the 
enemy in check until his troops could be brought for- 
ward and massed. Colonel Walker's Fifth Michigan 
Cavalry met and drove in the enemy's advance ; he 
dismounted his entire regiment, and on foot forced the 
Rebel infantry back across a ravine which the follow- 
ing day became our line of battle. 

Kilpatrick's cavalry had now been brought iip and 
placed in position, dismounted, together with eight 
pieces of artillery. In the meantime word had been 
sent to General Williams, commanding the Twentieth 
Corps, for re-enforcements. Before these could reach 
our cavalry the enemy advanced in line of battle, with 
every intention of charging Kilpatrick's position. 

Colonel Walker fell back within the barricades when 
the line advanced, but received so heavy a fire from the 
artillery and carbines of the enemy that he fell back 
again to the ravine. A brigade of infantry now came 
up and was placed in position with the cavalry. 
Everything remained quiet during the night. In the 
morning Kilpatrick advanced with his whole force, the 
infantry under Holly having the center. The enemy 
was steadily forced back, and at last driven within his 
works near Moore's Cross Roads. 

Casey's brigade of Ward's Division, Twentieth Corps, 
now came up and were shoved in upon the left and 
directed, together with Colonel Spencer's Cavalry Brig- 



THE I.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 39 

ade, to assault the enemy's works upon the right. While 
these preparations were going on heavy masses of 
Rebel infantry moved upon Kilpatrick's right, and 
partly succeeded in turning his flank. 

Colonel Jordan's Brigade of Cavalry, consisting of the 
Ninth Pennsylvania, Eighth Indiana, and Second and 
Third Kentucky, was pushed in on our right to pre- 
vent this movement. 

The fighting at this point was very severe. The 
enemy's infantry charged our cavalry repeatedly, but 
the Eighth Indiana, Ninth Pennsylvania and Ninth 
Michigan dismounted, held the position, and resisted 
every attempt of the enemy to drive them from the 
trees and their heavily constructed barricade. In the 
meantime Major-General Williams came upon the field 
with a portion of the Twentieth Corps, and soon after 
Generals Sherman and Slocum arrived in person, and 
the infantry upon the left was ordered to advance. 
The enemy's works were carried, and he forced from 
his position with the loss of his guns and his caissons. 
One division after another of our infantry was now 
pushed in upon the right and left. 

Kilpatrick's cavalry had gone to the right and had 
succeeded in reaching the Goldsboro road, which 
placed him directly in the rear of the enemy, when a 
heavy body of Rebel infantry, evidently re-enforce- 
ments, struck the Ninth Ohio Cavalry in front and 
flank, and notwithstanding the exertions of Colonel 
Hamilton and the bravery of his men, the regiment 
was thrown back upon the Ninth Pennsylvania Cav- 
alry, which was also forced to retire, but so slowly as 
to give time for Colonel Selvidge, commanding the 
right of our infantry, to change front with his brigade. 

The cavalry fell back on a line with our infantry, and 
the Rebel infantry in advancing received a cross fire 
from Colonel Selvidge's entire brigade, when Kilpat- 
trick, with Colonel Jordan's cavalry brigade, charged 
straight upon the enemy, driving him in confusion 



40 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

down upon the Goldsboro road, and back to his original 
position. 

This ended the fighting on the right and all further 
attempts of the enemy to turn our flank in that direc- 
tion. 

The enemy stubbornly fell back before each attack, 
and when night set in still held the cross-roads. Dur- 
ing the night, however, he retired in the direction of 
Raleigh, leaving his killed and wounded on the field. 

This was the first real hard fighting of the campaign. 
The troops did splendidly. The cavalry fought side 
by side with the infantry, mounted and dismounted, 
and were the admiration of the entire army. 

The loss in the Twentieth Corps was quite severe, 
and in the cavalry particularly so, the Eighth Indiana, 
Colonel Jones, losing upwards of seventy killed and 
wounded. 

General Atkins and Colonel Jordan, commanding 
the cavalry upon the right, deserve great credit for the 
skillful manner in which they fought their commands 
for the first time opposed to infantry. 

The Rebel troops opposed in this fight were Mc- 
Law's division of cavalry and Folliver's and Rhett's 
artillery brigades. These are heavy artillery. They 
composed the Southern garrisons, and from Colonel 
Rhett, commandant at Fort Sumter, taken prisoner by 
Kilpatrick, it appears that these organizations were 
very full, his own regiment, for instance, at one time 
numbering not less than fifteen hundred men. 

The road to Goldsboro being now apparently open, 
the left wing continued its march, without opposition, 
until the 19th. 

Meanwhile, Johnston having become completely sat- 
isfied that Goldsboro was the real object, hastily 
called in Hardee and moved from Smithfield down the 
road to Bentonsville, where he intrenched himself, his 
line of works extending from Mills Creek on the upper 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 41 



side, and including the village, returned to the creek 
again. 

This position the Fourteenth Corps in advance dis- 
covered. General Slocum immediately formed a well 
chosen line, flanked upon the left by a ravine, where 
he posted the artillery, and upon the right by a swamp 
and open field. 

The third battle is called the battle at Morris's Farm. 
From this admirable line, Morgan's Division having 
moved forward with the intention of establishing 
another line a half-mile in advance, the enemy, who 
had been retiring toward their own line for several 
hours, here suddenly advanced with overwhelming 
numbers, and attacked the brigades of General Robin- 
son and General Buell, comprising Morgan's Division, 
and drove them back in some confusion to the line of 
the railroad already marked by General Slocum's 
prompt and skillful eye as the proper rallying ground 
for the emergency. 

Here, by the exertions of our officers and the great 
bravery of the men the enemy were checked. A hasty 
work of rails and dirt was thrown up, and the whole of 
the Fourteenth Corps and Colonel Selvidge's Brigade 
of the Twentieth Corps, and General Kilpatrick's cav- 
alry arrived and took up a position, Colonel Selvidge 
upon the left, the cavalry in the rear. This was at four 
o'clock p. M., and now began a series of desperate 
charges by the enemy, only equaled by those at Frank- 
lin, and mainly directed against the right, by the 
diversion of the Georgians who had just before been 
flanked and doubled down to this line. 

The enemy charged in three columns, one after 
another, each following up the other's repulse, making 
at one time three charges in thirty-five minutes, and 
with such desperation that when night closed in upon 
their defeat not only was the ground in our front 
strewn with their wounded, but their dead were packed 



42 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS* OF THE WAR. 

Up in numbers within our lines, even around the head- 
quarters of the Generals. 

On the other hand, our men fought as only this 
army can fight. Not a man left his post in line of 
battle, and each time the enemy was hurled back in 
confusion from in front of the very men whom over- 
whelming and outflanking numbers had only forced to 
retire in the morning. 

The fighting in this engagement has been surpassed 
by no other during the war. 

It was a grand spectacle as described by a general 
officer himself, from his position on the left, an eye 
witness of the whole; the battle-field was in full view, 
and notwithstanding the confusion of a sudden attack 
and the rapidity with which the position had been 
taken, a better could not have been found. 

Considering these facts, and that General Johnston 
commanded in person with a force of 40,000 men, out- 
numbering our troops, Major-General Slocum, com- 
manding, deserves great credit, and as he merits, will, 
doubtless, receive the thanks of the nation. 

The next morning, with all dispatch, starting at 
three o'clock, the right was brought up from its 
camp, in the neighborhood of Falling Church, and by 
night a position had been taken, directed by General 
Sherman in person. 

The Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps and Kilpat- 
rick's cavalry upon the extreme left, reached to Mill 
Creek, and were ready to take the offensive. 

Tuesday was spent in intrenching, with the skir- 
mishing attendant upon feeling the enemy in column, 
and when night came down, Howard's guns, far upon 
the extreme right, could still be heard long after dark. 
Late in the evening the programme for the following 
day reached the rear, which was for an advance, to be 
covered in the rear by the cavalry and a brigade of 
infantry. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 43 

This amounted to a flank movement, the virtue of 
which was apparent when in the morning the enemy 
were found to be retiring without a skirmish to Smith- 
field, leaving Sherman's progress to his base unop- 
posed. The order of approach to Goldsboro was 
then, that the left wing, the Fourteenth Corps in 
advance, followed by the Twentieth, the troops that 
had borne the battle, should pass through the right 
wing, and cross the river first. 

No land in the world is less favorable to a forced 
march than that which has been traversed by Sher- 
man's noble army. The rains of Winter and Spring 
caught by the clay underlaying the land, forms one 
vast and horrible quagmire, utterly impassable except 
in the way the marvel was accomplished, by almost one 
entire bridge from Savannah to the present base, over 
felled, trampled forests. 



Monday, March 27, 1865, 



The Enquirer of this morning 
Richmond va g^ g . cc/J^2^g situation in North 

March 27, 1865. ^ i- i -i 

Confederate Account. Carolina becomes more and more 
interesting. With his army 
scarcely half organized, General Johnston has been 
able to resist the advance of the enemy, from the time 
he left the Cape Fear. On three occasions he has 
given Sherman a severe lesson in the art of war, while 
at Kinston he was severely punished by General Bragg. 
The battle of Bentonville, on Sunday the 19th, was a 
triumph to our arms. On the 20th the enemy was 
entrenched, and no fight occurred. On the 21st there 
was heavy skirmishing and some severe fighting, in 
which the enemy were badly handled. General John- 
ston maintains his position, and will be ready to meet 
the enemy at all points." 



The World of this morning, in 
Marcr'27j8'65. ^^^ editorials, advises the Confed- 

eracy to lay down their arms at 
once and trust to chances. 



"Judging from what we hear of 

Raleigh, N.C., ^-^q position in the eastern and 

ConfTd'^erate'Account. middle part of North Carolina, 

we consider the signs more 

encouraging, if not decidedly cheering. Sherman will 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OK THE WAR. 45 

be prevented from crossing the North Carolina Rail- 
road. Sherman and the Yankee nation will soon learn 
that marching throngh a country is not conquering it." 



The Flag of Truce boats, New 
I'lIl^T'iaR.' York and Manhattan, arrived 

iviarcn Z7, I Ubo. . , ^ . ^ 1 -, 

to-day with thirteen hundred 
and fifteen paroled prisoners and fifty ofiicers from 
Varina Landing on the James River. The most of the 
men were captured in North Carolina. 



Early this morning heavy firing 
White Oak, N. c, beeran and continued throughout 

March 27, 1865. ^^ j r\ J ^,.4-^ 

Union Account. the day. Our advance scouts 

this evening report that citizens 
and scouts from Sherman's main army, say that Kil- 
patrick is fighting the Rebel General Hampton, be- 
tween Goldsboro and Smithfield. Our cavalry are 
driving the enemy and at dark the firing grew more in- 
distinct. We do not know as to the result. The sud- 
den sweep of Kilpatrick's cavalry upon Hampton must 
be a surprise. 

We are on the banks of the Neuse River, half-way 
between Goldsboro and Kinston. The country is well 
kept and supplies are abundant. 



President Lincoln is still here. 
City Point, va., Yesterday, in company with 

u:r„'Ycoou''; General Grant, he rode out to 

the front and witnessed the 
fighting on our left. It is said he will go to Washing- 
ton to-morrow. 

Over two thousand Rebel prisoners have been sent 
in from the front who witnessed the fighting at the 



46 THK LAST FOUR WKKKS OF THK WAR. 

left of our line. They will be shipped to the prison- 
ers' camp at Point Lookout. 

Last night thirty-nine Rebel deserters came into our 
lines on the Petersburg front and Army of the James, 
bringing their muskets with them. 



An engagement took place this 

In Front of Petersburg, Va., morning, which, thoUgh COufiued 
March 27, 1865. ^ *^' ^. ' r ^T 1 • j 

Union Account. to a Small portiou oi the line and 

of short duration, was of quite a 
severe character to the Rebels. A party of them, who 
pretended they wished to desert, were allowed to 
approach our lines, when they made a fierce attack on 
the front of the Sixth Corps, just before daybreak, for 
the purpose of recovering the advanced works from 
which they were driven on Saturday. 

The assault was so sudden and furious that the Sixth 
Corps was for a moment forced back, but they instantly 
rallied, repulsed the enemy at all points, and recovered 
the ground lost. The Rebels lost heavily during the 
short fight, while our corps met with very light loss. 
The entire first line of Rebel works captured on Satur- 
day by the Sixth and Second Corps we now hold and 
propose to hold, regardless of the Johnnies' desire to 
regain them. 



Newbern, N, C. 



^ive hundred and fourteen bags 
March 27, 1865. of mail arrived here yesterday 

Union Account. ^^^ to-day for Shcrmau's army. 



Orders were to-day received at 

Army of the Potomac, ^l^^ varioUS field hospitals tO re- 

March 27. 1865. ^, . . J ^ J J i. 

Union Account. movc the sick aud wounded to 

City Point and keep the hospitals 
in readiness for any emergency that may arise. 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 47 

Our army began to-day the bom- 
^^*m'"Vo?iL7'' bardment of the Spanish Fort. 

March 27, 1865. atai • • .1 t-. 1 -1 , n 

Union Account. This IS the Rebels' strongest for- 

tification at this point. It has 
sixteen heavy guns. The enemy have been expecting 
this movement no doubt. 

The Rebel force in Mobile is reported at six thousand 
in the city, and the same number at Blakely, on this 
side of the bay of Mobile. 

Daily skirmishing with a band of Guerillas, has been 
the programme since the Thirteenth Corps left Fishing 
Creek on Saturday. 

Generals Canby, Granger and Smith are at their 
posts and we hope soon to say that Mobile's lights are 
out. 



The strength of Sherman's army 
Richmond, va., ^^g fouud in the head-Quarters 

March 27, 1865. ^ r i, • /^ 1 r^ -^ 

Confederate Account. OI One of hlS Gcuerals, after itS 

owner had left. This represents 
its strength without Schofield's troops which have since 
joined it: 

Ninety-six field pieces, none of which are more than 
twenty-two poundeis. 

Fourteenth Corps, Jeff. Davis in command, nine 
thousand strong ; six four-gun batteries. 

Fifteenth Corps, Logan in command, thirteen thou- 
sand strong ; six four-gun batteries. 

Seventeenth Corps, Blair in command, ten thousand 
strong ; six four-gun batteries. 

Twentieth Corps, Williams in command, ten thou- 
sand strong ; six four-gun batteries, in small pieces. 
Right wing is under command of Howard ; left wing 
is under Slocum. 

Bach regiment averages two hundred men ; each 
brigade eight hundred men ; each division three thou- 
sand men ; each corps twelve thousand men, the whole 
army forty-two thousand men. 



48 THE I.AST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

There is a report prevalent that 
Seima Ala., ^ cavalrv force, eis:ht thousand 

March 27. 1865. ^ •' ' .^ - , 

Confederate Account. Strong, was commg from the 
North, by way of • Tuscaloosa. 
Forrest no doubt will be able to take care of this party, 
should there be any truth in this report. 

There seems to be three Federal columns — one from 
four thousand to six thousand last heard of at Pollard — 
another operating on Spanish Fort, probably ten thou- 
sand in number, and the North Alabama column, if 
there be one, of eight thousand. We do not believe 
the Federals could raise such a force. 



There is but one regiment of 
Richmond, Va., Yankee infantry this side of Mar- 

iyiarch27, 1865. ^- -. 1, i ^i, ^ • -u .. 

Confederate Account. tiusburgh, and that IS about 

Kernstown and Winchester. Our 

scouts, who were in Winchester last week, report that 

this regiment had been ordered to another field, and 

that they were preparing to leave. 

Thirteen hundred Yankee prisoners were sent off by 
flag of truce yesterday morning. 

Five hundred prisoners, captured at Petersburg, were 
given accommodations in Libby prison last night. 



General Grant's report of this 
City Point. Va., momiugsays: On the 25th in- 

March 27, 1865. ^ ■ \ -^-u ^x, c ^^ ' 

Union Account. staut wc met With the following 

losses: Second Corps, fifty-one 
killed, four hundred and sixty-two wounded, three hun- 
dred and two missing ; Ninth Corps, sixty-eight killed, 
three hundred and thirty-eight wounded, five hundred 
and six missing. The Second Corps captured three hun- 
dred and sixty-one prisoners; the Sixth Corps four 
hundred and sixty-nine, and the Ninth Corps ten hun- 
dred and forty-nine. 



Yh^ last ^our weeks oE the war. 49 

The Second and Sixth Corps pushed forward, and 
captured the enemy's strong intrenchments, and turned 
its guns against him, and still hold it. 

General Humphreys estimates the enemy's loss at 
three times greater than ours. 



General Lee telegraphs that his 
^^'^^/"""^'l^:' attempt to break the Federal 

March 27, 1865. ,. ^ „ ^ ^ 

Confederate Account ln^es ou Saturday was not suc- 
cessful. A full report of the 
result is not known here, but quite enough is current 
to convince us that the army of Northern Virginia has 
had a severe blow. From the report, which is from an 
official source. General Gordon assaulted the enemy's 
works at Hare's Hill, capturing several pieces of artil- 
lery and mortars, as well as many prisoners. The 
General's dash upon the enemy was a success. He 
swept a portion of their line, capturing several promi- 
nent and annoying forts and batteries, but was not able 
to hold them without being compelled to withstand 
heavy assaults, so it was deemed best to fall back upon 
our own works, which was done. Our troops behaved 
most handsomely. The sharp-shooters of General Gor- 
don's corps, who led the assault, deserve the commen- 
dation of all loyal Southerners. 

Even in face of this news. General Lee's dispatch is 
expressive of a nervous feeling on his part. We will 
pray for news not in keeping with that from General 
Lee, and hope to-morrow to state that General Lee's 
dispatch was but a rumor. 



Recruiting is dull everywhere 
Washington, D. c, and drafting will be again re- 

March 27, 1 865. sorted to, to obtain men. The 

draft began in Baltimore this 



Union Account. 



50 THE 1.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

It is this morning known that 
Bermuda Hundred, va., Tumer's and Fostcr's Divisons 
Union "cJount of the Twenty-fourth Corps and 

Birney's Division of the Twenty- 
fifth Corps, all under command of General Ord, will to- 
day join the Army of the Potomac, going by the 
pontoon bridge across the Appomattox at Point of 
Rocks. May God's blessing accompany them, and 
their next few weeks' efforts be crowned with glory. 



Sheridan's long column of troop- 
city Point, Va., gj-g havc tliis aftcrnoou gone in 

" nio'n "■cou'n't' the vicinity of Haticock station, 

keeping well to the rear of our 
works, so that the enemy cannot see their movement. 
The air, to-night, is full of all kinds of reports. 
Some say that Goldsboro, North Carolina, will be Sher- 
idan's aim; others that it is the Southside Railroad, 
while others say that the Petersburg front will be 
entirely abandoned and that our army will swing in 
another direction. General Grant no doubt knows all 
about it and for us to state a thing properly it would be 
best to await his action. It is certain that a few days 
more will chronicle a change. We are inclined to 
think that it will be one pleasing to every loyal man. 



We are in great distress. The 

Fayetteviiie, N. c, Yankees have nearly destroyed 

cltm^Li. both town and country. There 

will be left not more than fifty 

head of four-footed beasts in the country, and not 

enough provisions to last ten days. Many houses were 

burned and everything destroyed. Every store and 

house in town and country have been robbed. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 51 

"A Special messenger who left 

Washington, D. c, Goldsboro, N. C, Oil the 22d 

March 27, 1865. arrived here to-day, and reports 

the occupation of that place by 

General Schofield's forces. 

^'He also brings the highly important information 
that General Sherman formed a junction with Schofield 
and Terry at Coxe's Bridge on the Neuse River, a few 
miles west of Goldsboro on the 21st. 

''The Fourteenth Corps of Sherman's army had a 
fight with Hardee, at Avery sborough, on the i6th inst., 
in which the latter was handsomely defeated, leaving all 
his dead in General Davis's hands, and retreating to 
Bentonville. 

"At Bentonville on Sunday, the 12th inst, one divi- 
sion of the Fourteenth Corps was attacked by John- 
ston, and for a while turned back, but on being re-en- 
forced by the rest of the divisions drove the enemy 
back, and during Sunday night he abandoned Benton- 
ville and fell back across the Neuse River to Smithfield 
some ten miles west of Goldsboro. 

"It is the merely temporary success in the first part 
of the fight which the Rebels are boasting over as a 
great victory. Sherman's loss will not exceed one 
thousand. The army is in excellent condition. 

"Detailed accounts of the foregoing, dated Goldsboro 
March 21st, have also been received. 

"On the 22d, Schofield moved out to Coxe's Bridge 
on the Neuse River, six miles beyond Goldsboro, where 
General Terry's forces were discovered laying pontoons 
to cross the river, having marched all the way from 
Wilmington. In a few moments some of Sherman's 
trains of the Twentieth Corps were discovered moving 
from Bentonville to Coxe's Bridge, and the junction ot 
the right wing of Sherman's army with Terry's and 
Schofield's forces was permanently made. 

"General Sherman had notified Schofield that he 
would be at Goldsboro on the 22d of March, and he 



52 THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

kept his word. Some of his staff were there during 
that day. 

"After his repulse at Bentonville, Joe Johnston fell 
back to Smith field, to cover Raleigh. Desertions of 
North Carolina troops from his army were numerous." 



"I expect this campaign will be 
Petersburg. Va., ^j-^^ hottest fighting of the war. 

March 27, 1865. ., , .,.^. ^ ,. 

Confederate Account. Old Abe Will have tO whip US 

this trip or close up his shop and 
quit. The exchange of prisoners was the clearest kind 
of an admission of weakness on his part, and it was the 
best thing in the world for us. Every Yankee prisoner 
we can produce now will bring us a good fighting man. 
Would it not have been a most excellent idea to have 
saved the clothes of the doodles we buried at Ander- 
sonville, and dressed up a little of the Georgia militia 
and traded them as Yankees for good fighting men. 
Many of the young men of Augusta, Georgia, who have 
disgraced themselves could be made useful to their 
country and the cause in the same way — for they are 
dead beats now." — [From a letter to the Daily Consti- 
tutionalist, of Augusta, Georgia.] 



General Bailey, with about one 

Baton Rouge. Louisiana, thoUSand Cavalry, made an ad- 

March 27, 1865. J. T, ^ r^ ^ J 

Union Account. vauce iroiii Batou Rougc toward 

Clinton, a few days since. He 

had several fights and skirmishes with the Rebels 

thereabouts, and killed two and captured four. Our 

loss was thirteen wagons. 



Tuesday, March 28, 1865 



The Fourth Army Corps, un- 
washir.gton, D. c, ^^^ General D. S. Stanley, is 

March 28, 1865. ^ , . ^ „ ^ \.^ 

Union Account. reported on its way to Knoxville 

to join in the West Virginia 
campaign, and its strength is estimated at from fifteen 
thousand to eighteen thousand men. 

A cavalry force, estimated at six thousand, has left 
Knoxville under General Stoneman and is moving also 
toward West Virginia. 



President Lincoln, Generals 
City Point, va., Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, Han- 

VZl Tcco!nt^" cock, Meade, and all the leading 

Generals in the Army of the 
Potomac and the Army of the James, had a private con- 
sultation on board the President's boat, "The River 
Queen," this forenoon, which revives the story about 
Lee's desire to surrender. 



We moved out from Kinston 
White Oak, N. c, early this morning. General Cox 

T^^:^: accompanying us. Rnggles' 

First Division of the Twenty- 
third Corps with McQuiston's Brigade led the column. 
The Twelfth New York Cavalry headed the procession 
and are now forward looking for game. 



54 "THE LAST rOUR WEEKS 6F THE WAR. 

General Robert Anderson reach- 

™."roh?8:'<865: J^'^ ^^'^ ^o-day OH his way to 

Union Account. Fort Sumter to raise the same 

flag he was obliged to lower to 
the Rebels four years ago on the 14th of April. 



New York ^^^^ Opened at 154, went up to 

March 28, 1'ees. '^SA-H ^ud fell again to 15414^. 

Brown sheetings are quoted at 

30 cents per yard; bleached sheetings, New York mills, 

at 45 cents per yard. Calicoes are jobbing at 20 cents. 

Nails are $6.50 per keg. 



''This afternoon, four hundred 
mT2t\Vek ^"d eighty-seven Yankees-part 

Confederate Account. 01 the several tllOUSaud hlVCd by 

General Johnston's army in the 
successive blows struck Sherman's horde in South Car- 
olina by Hampton and Wheeler — were received from 
Fayetteville. The dirty blue line crawled its way 
down Main street, coiling itself up in Libby prison. No 
description could convey the utter horror and loathing 
with which their appearance was regarded by our citi- 
zens. Dirty, begrimmed, ragged, scores of. them bare- 
footed and bare-headed, with stolen toweling bandaged 
about their feet and heads, limping, hobbling and curs- 
ing, they appeared the scabs, scavengers and scum of 
all creation, not a face or feature on which was not 
written 'thief,' 'murderer,' 'house-burner' and 'woman- 
ravisher.' Never since the war began has such a crew 
of hell-born men, accursed and God-forsaken wretches, 
polluted the air or defiled the highways of Richmond 
with the concentrated essence of all that is lecherous, 
hateful and despised. And these are a part and parcel 
of that human fungi Johnston's noble army are con- 
fronting. These are some of those who robbed, burned, 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 55 

plundered and murdered in the fair homes of Georgia 
and South Carolina. If we cannot successfully resist 
them, God help Richmond and her citizens. Devils 
from hell would show mercy when these would strike 
and rob, murder, pillage and destroy. The only way 
they can be permitted to come, must be on the terms 
that those come to-day — as prisoners of war. The 
majority of the horde that came in to-day were cap- 
tured from Kilpatrick's thieves, and they may not 
inaptly be called Kil-devils." 



The grand combinations in the 
Goidsboro, N^ c CaroHuas are now reaching their 

March 28, 1865. - ^ ^ ^ ^_., ^ 

Union Account. hual development. The roar of 

artillery from our three grand 

columns is reverberating this evening. This tells us 

that a fight is now on and that Johnston's army are 

resisting our further advance. 

At 10 o'clock p. M., word comes to us from General 
Sherman saying the battle just fought was all right for 
us, and our loss light. 



Military matters beyond the 
Trans-Mississippi Department, Mississippi are entirely at a 

MarGh28, 1865. ^ ^ ^f.f ^ - 1 1 -, 1 

Confederate Account. Staud-Stlll. Our forcCS hold the 

lower portion of Arkansas, along 
the Washita River, commanding the greater portion of 
the Red River. 



A letter received to-day from 
Washington, D. c, q^q of Shcrmau's mcu says : 

IVIarch 28, 1865. ,, ^ . . . ^ -^ 

Union Account. Our mcu are beginning to grow 

feathers on the calves of their 
legs, having feasted so long on chickens, turkeys, geese 
and ducks.". 



56 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 



Newbern, N. C, 
March 28, 1865. 
Union Account. 



Supplies are rapidly going for- 
ward from this place to General 
Sherman's army. Quartermas- 
ter-General Meigs is personally 
superintending the transportation. 

A general payment of all the troops in this depart- 
ment has been ordered to be made up to December 31. 
All is quiet at the front. The enem.y show no signs 
of life. Where they are and what they are doing is a 
matter of indifference to us just now. 



Goldsboro, N. C, 
March 28. 1865. 
Union Account. 



Bodies of Rebel cavalry 
prowling about our 1' 



are 
pick- 



prowling about our lines, pick- 
ing up foragers and unprotected 
squads that venture out beyond 



our lines. 



General Murray, in command 
here, has issued an order to the 
people to send away all non-com- 
batants, and prepare for a vigor- 
ous defense against the Federal troops. 



Mobile, Alabama, 

March 28, 1865. 

Canfederate Account. 



Bermuda Hundred, Va. 
March 28, 1865. 
Union Account. 



A selection of tried veteran regi- 
ments was to-day made from the 
Army of the James, or rather 
Twenty-fourth Corps, 
Ord they crossed the 
dark, bound for the 



from the 
and under command of General 
pontoon at Point of Rocks at 
Petersburg front. 

Our line from Dutch Gap to the Appomattox is quiet. 
Rain is coming down in torrents. 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 57 

Everything has been quiet along 
^T/'^Voo^.'^^"'^"' this entire front, except the 

March 28, 1865. 1 • 1 . r • . • -ul A 

Union Account. usual picket firing at night. As 

General Sheridan's cavalry were 

passing an exposed point yesterday, the Rebels opened 

upon them with shell, but, with a single exception, 

their shot fell short and did no damage. 

Sheridan's men and horses look remarkably well 
considering their service, and the men are ready and 
anxious to show us how they do things. They will 
have an opportunity to do this very soon if there is 
anything in appearances, as they are, at this time, on 
the black-board for an advance. 



At twelve o'clock last night, the 
City Point, va., whole Amiy of the Potomac was 

March 28, 18S5. , ^ .-^ ^ . -- . 

Union Account. placed uudcr arms and held 111 

readiness for movement at a mo- 
ment's notice. It is not known as to General Grant's 
plans, but it is settled to a certainty that the campaign 
now on, he intends making the final one of the war. 
Keep your eyes open. 



President Davis, this afternoon, 
Richmond, Va,, ^^[^ ^^..q veterans at Camp Lee a 

March 28, 1865. ^ . .^ ^^-, ^^ ., ^ ^• 

Confederate Account. visit. 1 he President carries an 
expression of anxiety upon his 
face, so diiferent from that generally found there. It is 
no doubt his opinion that Lee and Johnston are in a 
very uncertain position, and that with the Yankee 
armies re-enforced, we are likely to be overpowered- 
and forced to yield. He says but little to others than 
those of his immediate official circle, but the news we 
daily receive, lead us to imagine that he is more con- 
cerned about the Confederacy than his expression 
shows. 



58 THK LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

The day is one of clouds and sunshine. The weather 
is fairly pleasant, yet cold enough to make it uncom- 
fortable for our veterans now in the trenches fighting 
for the Confederacy. 

General Wilson's command met 
Between Seima and Mont- porrest and Taylor's Rebel 
Ifiarch 28.^1865. forces to-day between Selma and 

Union Account. Montgomery, where a display of 

the skill of both sides was shown 
in the fierce engagement. The Rebels were totally 
defeated, and a large number of prisoners were cap- 
tured by General Wilson's cavalry. 



General Ord, with the tried por- 
'^'T ""'.^o' Poiomac, tj^oi^ ^f ^he Army of the James, 

March 28, 1865. ^ , . '' . . ^ ' 

Union Account. has taken a position on our 

left and are temporarily en- 
camped behind the line of the Second Corps on 
Hatcher's Run. They reach us to participate in what 
we hope will be the closing campaign of the war. 
Everything is activity. No telling what a day will 
bring forth. The Army of the Potomac' are ready for 
the issue and hope to change position in spite of Lee's 
protests. Every indication points to an advance on our 
part. Where will we be in a week from now ? 



We have been peppering away 
In Front of Spanish Fort, ^^ Spanish Fort siucc yesterday 

March 28, I860. ^. ^ . . . -'^ . . .-' 

Union Account. mommg. Our skirmish line is 

within two hundred yards of it, 
and our artillery within three hundred. We have it 
encompassed on the three land sides. Bartman's Brig- 
ade of the Thirteenth Corps is holding the extreme 
left near the bay ; Veach's division next and Benton's 
next, all of the Thirteenth Corps. General A. J. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 59 

Smith's Sixteenth Corps is holding the right, so the 
only chance the Rebels have to escape is by water. If 
our gunboats can get up the torpedoes and get within 
range, we have them on the hip. 

General Steele's forces have captured two trains 
loaded with supplies, at Pollards, taking in also the 
whole of the Sixth Alabama (Rebel) Cavalry. 



Wednesday, March 29, 1865. 



At four o'clock this morning the 
'"'''°j;'*"?.'l'''fo"=^'^^'' Fifth and Second Corps were 

March 29, 1885. , . . ^ ^ . . - 

Union Account. put lu march upon the right of 

the enemy's line, the Fifth mov- 
ing by the Quaker road. On coming to a point called 
Skunk's Hollow, and mounting the brow of the oppo- 
site slope, a breastwork was found abandoned by the 
enemy. Passing about three-fourths of a mile beyond 
this, the head of the column, at half-past five o'clock, 
met a line of the enemy posted on the edge of a thick 
pine-wood belting or clearing. Here a sudden and 
heavy fire was opened upon our skirmish line, and it 
was driven back upon a line formed of the First Brigade, 
First Division, which at first fell back, but, on being 
supported by the Second Brigade, rallied, and drove 
back the enemy, with some loss in prisoners. In the 
meantime, General Warren drew up the rest of the 
First and the Third Divisions of the Fifth Corps in 
line, in order to support the attack. After an action of 
aboiit three-quarters of an hour, the enemy retreated in 
haste, leaving his dead and most of his wounded on the 
field. The force of the enemy engaged was one division 
of their Fourth Corps, under General B. Johnson, its 
strength being about six thousand men. Our loss was 
three to four hundred men killed and wounded. That 
of the enemy, in killed and wounded, appeared to be 
about the same, but the number of prisoners — some 
one hundred and fifty to two hundred— renders their 
total loss greater than ours. Lieutenant Patterson, of 
the Seventh Michigan, was killed in the engagement. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 6 1 

Major McCueii, of the one hundred and ninety-eighth 
Pennsylvania Regiment was also killed. At the close 
of the day our original line, which extended on the left 
to Hatcher's run, had been prolonged beyond the Run, 
westward across the Vaughn and Quaker roads, facing 
northward to within about two and a half miles of Din- 
widdle Court House. In the meantime, our cavalry 
corps under General Sheridan, made a detour east of 
the Vaughn road, sweeping around the left of our 
infantry at four o'clock p. m., toward Dinwiddle Court 
House. 

The route taken is the same over which a portion of 
the army has traveled several times heretofore, namely : 
The Vaughn and Halifax roads, running southwest 
across Hatcher's Riin. Rebel prisoners said that the 
move had been a complete surprise to them as they had 
expected an attack in the vicinity of Fort Steadman, 
and that their troops had been massed there to meet it. 

General Grant's headquarters were this evening 
established on the Vaughn road, near Gravelly Run, 
General Meade being in the same vicinity. 

A large portion of the Army of the James, under 
General Ord, was withdrawn from the north side of the 
Appomattox River, which, with the Sixth and Ninth 
Corps, were left in charge of the works before Petersburg. 



The route taken by a portion of 

Army of the Potomac, ^j-^^g ^^^^^y |g ^j^g 5^^-^^^ q^^j- ^l^ich 

March 29, 1865. .^ , -^ i . ^ i i -i 

Union Account. it lias Several tiuics traveled, by 

way of the Vaughn and Halifax 
roads, running southwest across Hatcher's Run. 

The column started at three o'clock this morning. 
Sheridan's cavalry took the Halifax road toward Din- 
widdle Court House. The infantry crossed Hatcher's 
Run on the Vaughn road, but met with no opposition 
until they reached within a short distance of the Boyd- 
town plank road, when the enemy's pickets were found 
and driven back. Griffin's Division went up the Qua- 



62 I'HE LAST EOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

ker road and about three o'clock this afternoon a divi- 
sion of the enemy were encountered. They did not 
know as to the strength of our force when they formed 
in line and charged. They were repulsed with heavy 
loss. 

A number of prisoners brought in say that they were 
taken by surprise, as they expected an attack in the 
vicinity of Fort Steadinan and their troops were there 
massed to meet it. 

It is believed the Rebels were hurrying their troops 
toward the South-side Railroad all this afternoon, in 
hopes of being able to prevent Sheridan taking posses- 
sion of it. Sheridan is breaking for that point and we 
hope will succeed in cutting off the supplies from Lee's 
army. 



The Fifth Corps had a sharp en- 

Petersburg Front, couutcr with the enemy on the 

^unio^A^'clunf; Quaker road to-day. We lost 

less than three hundred men 

and drove the Rebels nearly a mile, with serious loss 

to them and a number of prisoners. 



General Thomas is moving upon 
Washington, D. c, Richmond from the southwest, 

March 29. 1865. -.i i r /tm 

Union Account. With a hcavy force. The enemy 

will be pressed so as to compel 
him to give instead of receive a battle. 



Turner's Division of the Twen- 
Hatcher's Run, ty-fourth Corps made a iunction 

March 29, 1865. -^ .. - . -K, , r .-u o J 

Union Account. With the right of the Second 

Corps just as the sun peeped out 

this morning. This connection was made without 

fighting. It was not expected, however, that we should 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 63 

long exist in a quiet state. Hardly had we become 
in position when our services were needed. The gal- 
lant commands of both Foster and Turner made an 
assault on the enemy's line and captured their rifle pits 
with all that was in them. This advance was made 
within six hundred yards of the enemy's main works. 
Birney's Division held the right of Foster, and the 
assault was simultaneous. Cheer after cheer went up 
all along the line over the work of the gallant Twenty- 
fourth Corps. Our loss cannot to-night be given accu- 
rately, but is heavy. 



A large number of Rebel soldiers, 

Covington, Ky., belonging to Kcutucky regiments, 

Union Account." who liavc been coufiued in 

prison, have recently taken the 

oath, and pass through here daily, bound for their 

homes. 



Messrs. W. A. Ramsey & Co., at 
Augusta, Georgia, ^j^gj^ auctiou Sale ou Friday last, 

March 29, 1865. - . , . ^ .. . -^ . ' 

Confederate Account. obtained the followmg priccs I 
Harness, $3,000 to $3,500 per 
set ; carriages, $4,000 to $6,000 each ; Negro boys, 
$3,000 to $3,500; Negro women, $3,700 to $4,100; 
woman and two children, $4,500; silver spoons, $1,200 
to $1,300 per dozen ; sewing machines, $500 to $1,500. 



Scouts report a force landed at 
Mobile, Ala., Cedar Point to-day. 

March 29, 18G5. /^. ^j 1 n . r j 

Confederate Account. ^^c Yankee fleet fired 3. num- 

ber of guns, occupying all day. 
Cause not reported. 



64 1'HE I. AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Rebel Guerillas have again made 
Newport, Ky their appearance in the upper 

March 29, 1865. ^ r \ - ^ ^^ 

Union Account. end 01 this couuty and are com- 

mitting many depredations. 
They are reported at Twelve Mile Creek, where they 
are ransacking stores, burning property and doing 
about as they choose. 



The downfall of the Confed- 
city Point, Va., eracy is near at hand. Recent 

P,/Iarch29. 1865. . / . , 

Union Account. adviccs givc assuraucc that 

neither Lee nor Johnston can 
either retreat or offer battle without great destruction 
to their armies. It is understood that steps will be 
taken at Richmond at once, to convince General Lee, 
that to longer attempt holding the Confederacy to- 
gether means the loss of thousands of lives. We will 
likely know the result of both Grant and Lee's inten- 
tions in a very few days. 



We are now here, but we do not 

Near the Boydtown Plank Roaa, promise to Stay here very long. 

'^unio'li^A^c'clunt^." General Meade's headquarters, 

near the Aiken House at Park 
Station, were broken up at six o'clock and at eleven 
General Grant, accompanied by Generals Williams and 
Ingalls, a number of his staff and several civilians, 
arrived on a special train at Humphrey Station, the ter- 
minus of the railroad, within a mile of Hatcher's Run 
on the Vaughn road. Here Grant and his modest cor- 
tege mounted their horses, and after visiting the head- 
quarters of General Ord, near by, moved down to the 
new line which had been formed, in compliance with 
orders, south of Hatcher's Run. General Meade and 
staff had already preceded him by several hours, and 
was superintending the formation of the Second Corps 



I'HK LAST I^OUR WEKKS OF THE WAR. 65 

line, which in the afternoon was advanced over a mile 
northward. 

The Rebel pickets across the run fell back before 
the advance of the Second Corps, and the new line was 
assumed without any opposition. Intrenching tools 
were brought into requisition, and in a short time the 
position was rendered secure against any attack. Dur- 
ing this time the Fifth Corps was moving down the 
Goshen road, a little west of south and several miles 
east of the Vaughn. Five miles from the point of 
starting, the corps struck another road, known as the 
Old Stage road, leading west to the Vaughn, which it 
crossed on a by-road to the Quaker or Military road, 
leading north to the Boydtown plank road. Mean- 
while, Sheridan was moving still farther to the left, in 
the direction of Dinwiddle Court House. 

Moving up the Quaker road, through a wooded coun- 
try, with occasional clearings and small streams, the 
Fifth crossed Gravelly Run at 2:30 p. m., and on arriv- 
ing at May's farm, a short distance beyond, found a 
line of Rebel earthworks and a number of huts deserted 
by the enemy's pickets. A few hundred yards beyond 
this point the Rebel skirmishers were encountered by 
our flankers, who gradually advanced, followed by the 
column, pushing the enemy before them, until they 
reached another clearing. Here the brigade of General 
Chamberlain, which had led the column, was disposed 
in line of battle, and advanced across the clearing. 
When well in the clearing the enemy opened from the 
woods beyond, driving back our skirmishers upon the 
line of battle, which now became hotly engaged. A 
sharp engagement lasted for fifteen minutes, when the 
enemy, who had used no artillery, showing no disposi- 
tion to retire, Battery B of the Fourth United States 
Artillery was brought up and posted on the right of 
the road, to compel a retrograde movement on their 
part. A few rounds, well directed, and the fire of 
the enemy slackened. Chamberlain's brigade was then 



66 THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

directed to charge, which it gallantly did, the enemy 
falling back hastily up the Quaker toward the Boyd- 
town plank road. General Warren then formed his 
corps in line of battle, placing the left in reserve, 
and moved up to the Rainie House at the junction of 
the Quaker and Boydtown roads. Our loss in the 
engagement was from three to four hundred in killed 
and wounded, while the casualties of the enemy might 
have been fewer, owing to his sheltered position. The 
capture of one hundred and forty prisoners, however, 
probably made his loss greater than our own. And 
thus ends the history of to-day. Sheridan is near Din- 
widdle, Warren at the junction of the Quaker and 
Boydtown roads, in connection with the Second, whose 
line extended from his right nearly eastward past Dab- 
ney's Mills to the vicinity of Hatcher's Run. The new 
line had been formed, and with the exception of a little 
skirmishing along portions of the front, and the fight 
of the Fifth Corps, all has been quiet during the day. 
To-night the headquarters of Generals Grant and 
Meade are near Gravelly Run, on the Vaughn road. 



At nine mimites past ten o'clock 
Petersburg, Va., to-uight the Federals opened on 

March 29,1865. ^ < . ^xl ^ 

Confederate Account. our extreme left, near the Appo- 
mattox River, with a fearful artil- 
lery fire, while a simultaneous movement was made on 
the part of their infantry, the men charging upon our 
breastworks in great masses. Our men, under the 
gallant Gordon, were wide awake and received the 
charge with a coolness and precision which caused the 
assailants to recoil with evident dismay and consterna- 
tion. The enemy made five assaults between that time 
and midnight, the time I write this. In each assault 
the "blue-bellies" were sent reeling back. We know 
that the enemy has expended his greatest effort and we 
are satisfied with the result. They came in swarms, 



THE I.AST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. (i'] 

supposed to be several lines of battle deep, and in no 
instance did they even get through our obstructions. 
The slaughter was fearful. Our loss is light. It is 
very dark at this time, being impossible to see farther 
ahead than twenty paces. 



The Confederate ram Stonewall 

Lisbon, Portugal, ^i^s Sailed from this port. ^ The 

March 29, 1865. Federal war steamers, Niagara 

and Sacramento, have arrived 

here. The Portuguese authorities prohibit their sailing 

for twenty-four hours. 

At 10:25 A. M., the Federal frigates, Niagara and 
vSacramento, attempted to sail before the expiration of 
the time fixed by the Portuguese authorities, and were 
fired upon by the Beleu Fort. 

The Niagara was struck on the poop, and a seaman 
was killed. 

The vessels thereupon anchored. 



Mosby has six hundred men 
Richmond, Va., doiug: gfood work iu the northern 

March 29,1865. ^ r ^1 • o^ ^ mi. x. 

Confederate Account. P^rt of this State. Three hun- 
dred are in Louden county, and 
the same number in Prince William, or all near Wash- 
ington City. The daring deeds of Mosby and his 
braves will never be forgotten by the true Southerner. 
His work of destruction of Yankee property goes 
right on. 

The Armies of the Tennessee 

Goidsboro, N. c, ^ud Cumberland have not been 

"uTn'ccZ.'- supplied with Clothing and shoes 

since they left Atlanta. Through 

the stupidity and bad management of some one, sup- 



68 The: last i^our wekks of the war. 

plies for the army did not reach Savannah until the 
armies had moved out. The men are in great need of 
everything. 

About half of this army are mounted ; it rather don't 
care to do much more walking. Nearly every one has 
his own coach, cab, buggy, cart or wagon, drawn by 
horses or mules — blind or lame — colts or old worn-out 
horses or mules, anything that can draw something 
after it, was "pressed in" and the result is. General 
Sherman could now advertise a livery stable extensive 
enough to supply the whole country, provided they 
were not choice as to "rigs." A few soldiers turned 
out this morning in a fine-looking coach, behind four 
fat, sleek mules decked with silver-plated harness, with 
the following card on the door : 

"All aboard for Richmond via Camp Fifteenth Army 
Corps. Fare (hard-tack and sow-belly) free." It is now 
foregone that a soldier is not worthy of respect unless 
he has his own coach and a span of trotters — jackasses 
preferred. 

The rear of the Seventeenth Corps presents a very 
novel appearance. A number of vehicles were seen 
there this morning, leading one to believe that there 
was a funeral on hand, but the character of the occu- 
pants soon convinced us of our mistake. One of the 
boys said "it was the funeral of the Confederacy." The 
owners of the trotting stock fed by this army have not 
yet come after them, so we just try to enjoy them a lit- 
tle for a change. Our feet are sore and we can't w^alk 
quite so well as we could before we struck so many 
things on wheels. 



The Spanish Fort opened fire 
Mobile, Alabama, early this momiuo:, and the e^uns 

March 29, 1865. i ^1 • j -i i 

Union Account. o^ the south Side wcrc Silenced 

by our sharpshooters. As soon 

as a Rebel made his appearance at a gun, he was picked 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 69 

off. At about half past ten o'clock all was quiet. Our 
boys getting tired of doing nothing, gave a yell, as if 
about to charge, which proved a successful ruse, for 
immediately the Rebel heads made their appearance 
above the works, to look for the last time. 

Several siege -guns and mortars have arrived from 
Fort Morgan. 

Our loss, up to to-night, numbers fifty killed and two 
hundred wounded. The Rebel loss is not known. 

The Rebel battery near Dog River, opened fire on 
the gunboat Scotia, early this morning. The Scotia 
was not hit. The iron-clad Milwaukee, put in an 
appearance and drove the Rebel battery back. 



Thursday, March 30, 1865. 



A sudden change of the weather 
Richmond, Va., j^g^g brought rain upon us in tor- 

March 30, 1865. ^ T^ • !-» • 

Confederate Account. reuts- It IS very warm. Possi- 
bly the Almighty has seen fit to 
give us this change of weather, to defeat Grant in his 
efforts to destroy General Lee's communications and 
source of supplies. It is our prayer that such is the 
case, as we surely need help from above at this time. 

Reliable news reaches here this morning that Gen* 
eral Thomas's Army is rapidly advancing from East 
Tennessee into Virginia. Where next will the Yan- 
kees strike ? With Grant in front of us, Sherman in 
our rear and Thomas coming in on the southwest, 
how can we long expect to get supplies? Their armies 
are tenfold greater than ours. Appearances go to show 
that we are short lived as a Confederacy, but we will 
yet show them that we are able to hold Richmond in 
spite of their immense force, for a long time to come. 



Deserters arrived to-day from 

Washington, D. c, Lcc's Army and report that 

March 30, 1865. ucgrocs are being placed in the 

fortifications in and about Rich- 
mond, and that the Richmond citizens do not like it, 
while the Confederate troops laugh at them. The 
negroes improve every opportunity to desert, while 
many have succeeded in making their escape. At 
Belle Isle several thousand negroes are being drilled 
with sticks in lieu of muskets. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 7 1 

The transport Connecticut brought about four hun- 
dred wounded here to-day, including fifty-eight Confed- 
erates, which were sent to the different hospitals. The 
Confederates report their loss at Fort Steadman will 
amount to nearly four thousand. 

An Alabama planter who arrived here to-day, states 
that the Rebel authorities have placed negroes in the 
trenches around Richmond, but they are afraid to trust 
them in large bodies. 



The telegraph between here and 
- "«" Oh lo,"! 865: City Point has not been working 

for five or six hours and if there 
is any fighting it is unknov/n here. It is believed, 
however, that a heavy battle took place to-day. 



At four p. M. yesterday the ene- 

In Front of Petersburg, Va., j^y ^g^g seen tO be massiuo^ 
March 30, 1865. ^ ^ . r ^r.r,.^^.^^ 

Union Account. troops m front of that part of 

our line held by the First Divi- 
sion, Ninth Corps. This led General Wilcox to 
strengthen that point, and to put his pickets on the 
alert. At 10:15 a rocket shot up from the Rebel lines, 
and at once a heavy fire was opened from their batter- 
ies on the right and left of the point menaced. A little 
later this was followed by a heavy musketry fire from 
the nearest line of their defenses, distant about one hun- 
dred and seventy-five yards from our line. For some 
time this fire was kept up with vigor, and our batteries 
replied to it as vigorously, while the Second and Third 
Brigades of the division lay quietly ready to meet any 
attack. Then the enemy showed outside of their de- 
fenses the head of a strong column, as if to make an 
attack upon Battery 11 and the line about it, but the. 



72 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF ;rHE WAR. 

fire of our artillery forced the column to get hastily 
under cover again. The firing was kept up some time 
longer upon our defenses between Battery ii and Fort 
Steadman, and finally ceased at i:io A. m. 

This section of our line is that which was carried by 
the enemy on the 25th instant, and which they were 
forced to relinquish after a short struggle. 

The object of the enemy in this attack appears to 
have been to feel the strength of our line at the point 
mentioned, and to draw off troops from our left, by an 
attack, if the point was found to be weak, or by a show 
of attack in case the line was found strong. The latter 
seems to be the most likely, for they made a show of 
the attack which they would not have done if any real 
effort was meant, as on the 25th instant, when their 
attack was quiet and sudden. 

All the firing being done in the dark, the loss was 
small on our side and could not have been great on 
that of the Rebels. Only fifty-one men were hit on 
our side, the only officer of rank killed being Major 
Brown, Eighteenth New Hampshire Volunteers. 

On the side of the Rebels the loss may not have 
exceeded two hundred men, their force having been 
only at one time from under cover. 



Headquarters, Mar. ^o, i86s. 

Army of Northern Virginia. r^ i r ^ r> i -j 

Confederate Report. General /. C. BreckiuTidge, 

Secretary of War: General Gor- 
don reports that the enemy, at eleven p. m. yesterday, 
advanced against a portion of his line, defended by 
Brigadier-General Lewis, but was repulsed. The fire 
of artillery and mortars continued several hours with 
considerable activity. No damage on our lines re- 
ported. '' R. E. Lee. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 73 

At an early hour this morning a 

Petersburg, Va., heavv force of the enemy, con- 

March 30, 1865. . . •' - , . - -^ ' - 

Confederate Account. sistmg of cavalry, infantry and 
artillery, supposed to be headed 
by "Cavalry Sheridan," made a detour around our lines 
and advanced toward the Boydtown plank road, and, 
between seven and eight o'clock, struck this thorough- 
fare some six miles beyond Dinwiddle Court House. 
Toward eleven o'clock we understand this force was in 
the vicinity of the Court House, our forces skirmishing 
heavily with their advance. 



General Anderson, commanding 
Richmond, Va., q^j- extreme rio^lit, demonstrated 

March 30, 1865. • ^ ^1 , 1 • t, • 

Confederate Account. agamst the enemy's works m his 
front for the purpose of ascer- 
taining his strength at that point, and, if possible, their 
intentions. In pending operations our forces met with 
a vigorous resistance. The object of the demonstration 
gained, they fell back, the Yankees not pursuing. Late 
in the afternoon, however, the enemy commenced ad- 
vancing and skirmishing with our forces. Some severe 
fighting may have occurred. Meantime let us all keep 
cool, wait results, and trust in God, General Lee and 
the gallantry of our brave troops for success. 



An advance was made this morn- 
Graveiiy Run, Va., ^j-jgr along: our whole left or opcr- 

MarchSO, 1865. ,? 9 - . ^. 

Union Account. atmg wiug, the enemy giving 

way after indulging in some 
spiteful sharpshooting, to his main works across the 
Boydtown plank road. Our movement has developed 
portions of his line, and discovered the fact that he still 
maintains, with a bold front, his old earthworks cover- 
ing the Southside Railroad. Our advance was perhaps 



74 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF- THE WAR. 

most hotly contested opposite General Birney's division 
and north of the intersection of the Vaughn road with 
Hatcher's Run, where the enemy used considerable 
artillery, doing us but little damage, however. A bat- 
tery was likewise unmasked beyond Dabney's Mill, in 
front of Smyth's brigade of the Second Corps, and sev- 
eral shots thrown at our advance. 

A reconnoissance was made to White Oak Grove this 
morning by Merritt's Division of Cavalry, and the 
enemy found to be guarding the different avenues ap- 
proaching the Southside Railroad. 

Our casualties in the skirmish to-day have been few, 
and will not probably foot up to more than forty or fifty 
at the highest estimate. 

Our present line in general direction is the same as 
yesterday. The whole movement thus far cannot, per- 
haps, be more comprehensively explained than by say- 
ing that our left or movable wing has executed what is 
known in military evolutions as a right wheel with the 
pivot of the wheeling line resting near the Vaughn 
road at the point where it crosses Hatcher's Run. We 
now have possession of the Boydtown plank road sev- 
eral miles north of Dinwiddle Court House, and five 
and a half or six miles from the Southside Railroad. 
From the point where our left cuts the Boydtown 
plank our line extends nearly eastward, almost the 
entire distance through thick forests of pine saplings, 
across Hatcher's Run to our original line and with it 
forming an obtuse angle. South of and cutting the 
Boydtown plank road a quarter of a mile above the 
junction, the left of our line rests. 



Reliable intelligence from City 
Richmond, Va., Point represents the presence of 

March 30, 1865. -^^ ^ . j^p ^ 

Confederate Account. fifteen uiouitors and forty irou- 

clad vessels in the James River 

below Dutch Gap. Since our attempt to pass the Yan- 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 75 

kee obstructions, the enemy has doubled his vigilance 
and increased his force. 

Sheridan and his cavalry has passed around Lee's 
right. 

It is evident that April will witness a decisive turn, 
one way or the other, to Grant's campaign. All we 
need is to sustain our army and keep the Stars and 
Bars flying for one month, when the mighty effort of 
the Federal power will have been made and will have 
failed, as usual. 



There is no room on this line 

Union Ac'Jounf.' Twcuty-fourth Corps has been 

under fire all day long and it has 
been rattlety-bang from morning until night. Birney's 
Division has been in battle most of the day. Their 
losses are heavier than the balance of the Corps. It is 
acknowledged on all sides that the Twenty-fourth 
Corps contains pluck and that their coming here at this 
time means that they will make use of it. 

To-night our boys are busy strengthening their 
works, and before morning will have a line that the 
Johnnies will find ''a hard road to travel." 



Last night a heavy rain storm 
City Point. Va., gg^- jj^ makinsf the treacherous 

IVIarch 30, 1865. .< .11111 -1 

Union Account. soil ouc vast slough all aloug and 

in the rear of our works. 
Through the woods leading to the front, caissons, guns, 
wagons and ambulances might be seen at short inter- 
vals mired in mud, and it at once became evident 
that no advance would be made, from the fact that no 
artillery could be thrown forward through the woods 
until the roads were corduroyed. 



76 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF. THE WAR. 

General Sherman issued the fol- 
Newbern, N. c., lowing this moming : "All mail 

March 30. 1865. ^ % . °^. . - 

Union Account. 10^ officers and soldiers m the 

army now with Major General 
Sherman, will, after this date, be sent to Fortress Mon- 
roe for distribution. No mail for civilians will be de- 
livered unless addressed to the care of some officer to 
whom they are personally known." 



The first serious attempt at raid- 
Goidsboro, N. c, jj^or or scoutius: arouud our lines 

March 30, 1865. . ^ ^ ^. , 

Union Account. siucc our occupatiou was made 

to-day by Hampton's cavalry, 
upon the right and center of our lines, northw^est of 
Mosely Hall, eight miles from here. 

A party of Kilpatrick's cavalry had been sent out on 
a scouting expedition, when they fell in with a force oi 
Hampton's cavalry who attacked them. A sharp skir- 
mish followed, our men fighting and falling back. A 
squad of the Twenty-third Michigan arrived just in 
time to save our men, who were outnumbered three to 
one. We captured two prisoners. A detail went out 
from the Second Brigade to bring in the wounded and 
bury the dead. 



This morning's Sentinel says : 
Richmond va. "Obviously there is extreme need 

March 30, 1865. - -^ . - . , 

Confederate Account. fo^ every exertiou which wc cau 
possibly put forth. General 
Lee needs men and needs provisions. He needs every 
man and every ration we can give him. We must now 
give him the militia, the reserve and the local troops to 
the last man. We must all lend our efforts also, to the 
encouragement of the enlistment of colored troops. 
We must yield our slaves and encourage them to vol- 
unteer, and do so speedily. We must, at whatever 



"THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 77 

sacrifice, supply Lee's army with provisions. It is 
superfluous to say that this is absolutely necessary. 
There is no time to dole or to measure out our contri- 
butions. Ivce's army must be fed, or we shall be over- 
taken with speedy disaster and inevitable ruin." 



. Admiral Thatcher's fleet, in con- 

Near Spanish Fort, juuctiou witli General Canby's 

March 30, 1865. forccs, movcd Up the bay above 

Union Account. ^_. ' _ ^f ^ ^ 

Howard's Landing and opened a 
heavy fire at once, upon the Rebel gunboats and trans- 
ports, compelling them to retire to a safer position. 

The Thirteenth Corps under General Gordon Gran- 
ger, drove the enemy back and secured a strong posi- 
tion upon the left center and left, in this way opening 
communication with the bay, and completely flanking 
the Rebel right center, and right. The Sixteenth Corps 
under General Smith, also succeeded in flanking the 
enemy's left center and left. Thus about four thousand 
Rebels were hermetically sealed in Spanish Fort. We 
are now within thirty yards of Spanish Fort, behind 
strong breastworks, dealing death to every Rebel who 
has the temerity to raise his head above their works. 



There is no doubt that the 
Montgomery, Ala., ^uemy in heavy force are moving 

March 30, 1865. dowu iuto tlic interior 01 the 

Confederate Account. g^.^^^ f^-^j^^ points on the Tennes- 
see River. 
From department oflicers just arrived from Selma, 
we learn that a Federal force of six thousand has 
started from Tuscumbia. They divided at Jasper, one 
column moving in the direction of Tuscaloosa, and the 
other toward Montevallo. The troops, under the Yan- 
kee General McCook, had with them a wagon train and 
artillery. They came through Blyton an'd burned 



78 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

everything there. They also burned the Red Moun- 
tain Iron Works. 

We have information that the wires are being tam- 
pered with by McCook's operators. The following 
message came in to-day : ''How are you ? Will call 
on you in Montgomery soon." 



Since Sherman's capture of Sa- 
savannah, Ga., vaunah two hundred and sixty 

March 30, 1865. stcamcrs, fifteen ships, eight 

Union Account. brigs and sixty-six schoouers 

have entered the port. 
Quite a number of adopted citizens were forced into 
the Rebel ranks by one reason or another during the 
progress of the war, and since Sherman's march 
through Georgia, large numbers of them have found 
their way back and are now peaceable citizens, appar- 
ently glad that Savannah is again beneath the good old 
flag. 



"A heavy fight has been pro- 
Petersburg, va., ofressinef all day at Dinwiddle, 

March, 30 1865. ^ t-^.^, -, , f, • -.^ -i 

Confederate Account. near Hatchcr's Ruu, eight milcs 
from the city. Nothing official, 
but reports up to five o'clock, deemed reliable, state 
that three furious assaults were repulsed. 

At half past two o'clock the Yankees came up in over- 
whelming numbers and drove Bushrod Johnson's 
Division one mile and a half. 

We were then re-enforced, which turned the tide of 
the battle, and we drove the enemy with great slaugter 
to and beyond their original position in the morning. 
The ground was strewed with dead and dying, and 
seven hundred prisoners were sent to the rear. 

The affair last night for roar of cannon and musketry, 
which lasted two hours, exceeded anything ever heard 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 79 

in this vicinity. It turned out to-day that both belliger- 
ents conceived the idea that they were being charged 
behind their works, when in fact, neither had left 
their intrenchments. Hence the lavish expenditure 
of amunition. It was one of the most novel events of 
this remarkable war. 

The loss was small on our side, and not supposed to 
be large with the enemy. All quiet in front to-day. 



The advance of Thomas's Army 
Lynchburg, va., ^g Said to havc bccu at Carter's, 

March 30, 1865. -^i • ^ . -i r -d • 4. 1 

Confederate Account. Wlthm twenty milcS of BriStol, 

on Sunday evening last. Tele- 
graphic communication is open to Bristol. 

Thomas no doubt is preparing to invade Southwest- 
ern Virginia with a large force. There are large quan- 
tities of provisions in that section that should be 
promptly removed, or they will certainly be appropria- 
ted by Thomas if he succeeds in his expedition. 



Mosby still hovers around, 

Nr^r'cha?lesto7va.. Occasionally dropping upon our 

March 30, 1865. pickets and outposts. We hope 

Union Account. ^^ gobble up this band of 

Guerillas and their man Mosby very soon, and give 

them a severe thrashing before doing so. 



Friday, March 31, 1865. 



Washington, D. C, 
March 31, 1865. 



Substitutes are to-day receiving 
eight hundred dollars a head, 
and there is a good demand. 



Goldsboro, N. C. 

March 31, 1865. 

Union Account. 



"The Rebels have completed all 
preparations to evacuate Ral- 
eigh. All depots of the State 
Government have been removed 
to Gronsborough, as well as all surplus military stores. 
General Schoheld has levied a contribution of one 
hundred thousand rations of meat and flour upon the 
citizens. A Newbern dispatch of the 28th says that 
the armies in North Carolina are taking a brief repose. 
Sherman's forces were much in need of shoes, clothing 
and other necessaries prior to striking the finishing 
blow to the Rebel Confederacy. All is quiet at the 
front. The enemy show no signs of life. Where they 
are or what they are about appears to be a matter of 
indifference just now. General Sherman's headquar- 
ters are to be removed from Savannah to Newbern. 
General Howard's headquarters, from Beaufort, S. C, 
are also to be removed to this point. Another batch of 
five hundred Rebel prisoners arrived in Newbern from 
Goldsboro on the 26th ultimo. They left on the 27th 
for the North. More than half of them desire to take 
the oath of allegiance." 



THE LAST EOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 8 1 

A most imposing military execu- 

wfarch 3T' 1V5"' ^^^^^ ^^^ j^^^ taken place about 

Union Account. ^^^If a mile in front of the field 

works, fronting the Provisional 

Division, and running almost parallel with Little River 

stream. 

The condemned, James Preble, of the Twelfth New 
York Cavalry, was executed for a rape committed on an 
aged woman on the i6th inst., in the vicinity of 
Kinston. 

The whole of the Provisional Division of Schofield's 
command was paraded on the occasion, and was, 
together with the arrangements for the execution, 
under the command of Colonel Classon, of the One Hun- 
dred and Thirty-second New York Volunteers. 

The division arrived on the ground at precisely one 
o'clock, and was formed in two ranks in three sides of 
a square, the rear rank ten paces in rear of the front 
rank, which came to an about face when the unfortu- 
nate condemned one was paraded through the ranks. 

At about twenty minutes to three o'clock, the pro- 
cession which attended the unfortunate man who was 
soon to be summarily summoned into the presence of 
his Maker, made its appearence in the following order: 
A detachment of the One Hundred and Thirty-second 
New York and Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers, 
under command of Captain Keenan, Acting Provost Mar- 
shal, four men carrying a coffin, an ambulance contain- 
ing the condemned man and his two spiritual advisers, 
the Reverend H. M. Bacon, Chaplain of the Sixty-third 
Indiana, and the Reverend Mr. Dodd, Chaplain of the 
Twenty-fifth Massachusetts. Upon arriving on the 
ground the unfortunate man was taken from the ambu- 
lance and escorted in mournful procession with Drum 
Corps playing the dead march through the ranks form- 
ing the three sides of the square. 

James Preble did not appear to be more than twenty 
years of age, and about six feet in height ; his appear- 



82 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

ance in no way gave indication of the brutality which 
would be naturally supposed to characterize the appear- 
ance of one proved to have been guilty of so heinous 
an offense. He marched with a remarkably steady step 
all the way round the square, and but seldom raised his 
eyes from the ground. 

In the center of the space in the open side of the 
square, Preble's grave was dug, and on arriving at it, 
after marching around the square, the procession 
halted, and the proceedings and sentence of his court- 
martial, together with the order for his execution, was 
read by the Provost-Marshal, after which he knelt down 
by his coffin, with the Chaplain in attendance, and pray- 
ed for about five minutes, when his eyes were bandaged 
with a white handkerchief, and the firing party, con- 
sisting of twelve men from the One Hundred and 
Thirty-second New York and Seventeenth Pennsyl- 
vania, were formed in line about twelve paces in front 
of him. At precisely five minutes past three the order 
to "make ready, aim and fire," was delivered in a clear, 
audible tone by the Acting Provost-Marshal, and the 
unfortunate man fell down dead, pierced with four 
balls, one through the neck and three through the 
breast. He was immediately examined by the Provost- 
Marshal and the surgeon in attendance and pronounced 
dead. The whole division then marched past the 
corpse, which was placed on top of the coffin, by columns 
of companies, and filed back to their quarters. This 
will doubtless prove, as it is intended it should, a warn- 
ing to evil disposed and reckless men, and they well 
know that acts of barbarity will not be tolerated in an 
army whose purpose is to restore law and order. 



Along General Ord's front, not- 
city Point, va., withstaudiuo^ the disadvantaere 

March 31, 1865. p . ^. - ^ . 

Union Account. oi the mud, au advance of 

several hundred yards was made 

by Turner's West Virginians and Foster's Division, 



THE LAST EOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 83 

supported by Birney's colored command of the Twenty- 
fifth Corps. Sheridan also pushed forward on Tuesday, 
and night found him in the vicinity of Sutherland's 
Station, on the Southside Railroad. 

Not relishing Sheridan's alarming proximity to the 
Southside Railroad, the enemy, having been re-enforced 
by Pickett's Division, made an impetuous attack upon 
him in front and on the flank, and at night had pushed 
back our troops after heavy fighting, compelling us to 
leave behind in the enemy's hands many of our dead 
and wounded. As the Fifth Corps had, on the night 
previous, assumed a line stretching nearly westward 
from the Boydtown plank, where its right connected 
with the left of the Second, by the repulse of Sheri- 
dan, and his retirement through Dinwiddie Court 
House on Friday afternoon, it was at once seen that a 
change of front of at least the Fifth Corps would be 
necessary, in order to meet any attack by a large force of 
the enemy on its left and rear. Accordingly, at mid- 
night the Fifth, leaving an interval to be supplied by 
Miles's Division of the Second, left its position, and, 
moving down the Boydtown plank toward Dinwiddie, 
massed at the Butler House for the purpose of seizing 
the White Oak road, which, several miles above the 
junction of the Quaker and Boydtown, runs west from 
the latter until it strikes the Claiborne road leading to 
Sutherland Station. 

Early in the morning the Fifth moved forward, while 
the Second commenced demonstrating its front for the 
purpose of masking our real intention, viz., the posses- 
sion of the White Oak road. The charge of the Fifth 
was temporarily successful, the enemy being pushed 
back to a point near the coveted road, when he rallied, 
and in turn assaulted the Fifth, which retired some- 
what hastily to the vicinity of the Boydtown road, 
where it took shelter behind a line of temporary works. 
At this junction the division of Miles was directed to 
strike the victorious enemy on the flank, and massing 



84 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF JHE WAR. 

his brigades in echelon, he began moving to the leTt 
and west from his position on the Boydtown PlanL. 
The remainder of the Second was meanwhile engaged 
in heavy skirmishing across the Boydtown Plank. 
General Humphreys moved his headquarters to the 
Rainie House, at the junction of the Boydtown and 
Quaker Roads, and it was near this point that his A. 
A. G., Major Miles, was killed by a round shot from 
one of the enemy's batteries. 

At about half past ten o'clock in the forenoon, the 
column of Miles struck the Rebel left in front of War- 
ren, surprised it, and moving rapidly forward, drove the 
enemy like frightened sheep down Warren's front, cap- 
turing prisoners, guns, and colors, and then wheeling to 
the right, still pursuing the flying enemy, established 
iiimself on the White Oak Road, across which Warren 
afterward formed his command, facing northeast, and 
connecting with Miles's Division of the Second. Thus, 
after a severe engagement of several hours, we had, at 
the cost of several hundred lives, compassed our origi- 
nal intention. 



Army of the Potomac, ^ 

In Front of Petersburg, Va., FrIDAY NIGHT, V 

March 31, 1865. ti/t 1 o^ I 

Union Account. March 31, 1865. j 

There was severe fighting to- 
day. Notwithstanding the disadvantageous circum- 
stance of mud, the left of our line was pushed forward 
at daybreak this morning, bringing on a heavy engage- 
ment in front of the Fifth Corps and General Miles's 
Division of the Second, the final result of which was 
the pushing back of the enemy across the White Oak 
Road, and its occupation by our troops. 

At daybreak this morning Griffin's Division of the 
Fifth Corps, the left of which rested on the Boydtown 
Road, a short distance above the Quaker Road, moved 
by the left flank down the Boydtown Road to the But- 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OK THE WAR. 85 

ler House, where it was massed behind the commands 
of Generals Crawford and Ayres, for an advance upon 
the enemy, covering the White Oak Road. 

The object of the advance was the possession of this 
road, which, diverging from the Boydtown Road, 
several miles north of its junction with the Quaker 
Road, runs westward to the Claiborne Road, leading 
northwest to the Southside Railroad. 

At about eight o'clock this morning, the Division of 
General Ayres, supported by those of Crawford and 
Griffin, began their advance upon the enemy, which 
was immediately resisted by the Rebel skirmishers, 
Avho were slowly pushed back, however, to within a 
mile of the White Oak Road. 

At this juncture the enemy, gathering all his avail- 
able force, and with his usual yell, charged our advanc- 
ing columns, which, wavering for a time, finally gave 
way to the impetuous assault, retiring slowly toward 
the Boydtown plank road, and halting only when 
they arrived at the brow of a hill, where supported by 
Griffin's Division, which had just reached that point, 
they took shelter in the temporary breastworks con- 
structed by them last night. Several ineffectual at- 
tempts were then made by the enemy to dislodge them, 
our fierce musketry fire, aided by Batteries D and H of 
the First New York Artillery, meanwhile pouring death 
and destruction into their ranks. 

The firing on either side soon subsided into heavy 
skirmishing, and the rapid interchange of solid shot 
and shell, lasted until one o'clock this afternoon, our 
troops in the mean time retaining possession of their 
original line. 

At this hour the Division of General Miles, which 
had been thrown to the left of Boydtown plank road to 
close the interval made by the withdrawal of Griffin 
in the morning, was ordered to strike the enemy in 
front of Warren on his left flank, while the Fifth Corps 
again essayed to obtain possession of the White Oak 



86 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Road by advancing simultaneously. The second ad- 
vance of Warren was led by General Chamberlain's 
Brigade of Griffin's Division, and that of Miles on 
the right moved in echelon in the following order 
from right to left : 

First Brigade, Colonel Scott, of the Sixty-first New 
York commanding; Irish Brigade, Colonel Nugent, 
Sixty-ninth New York; Third Brigade, General 
Medill; Fourth Brigade, General Ramsey. At one 
o'clock, as before mentioned, Warren's Corps again 
moved forward upon the enemy, who stubbornly 
held his ground for some time, when the rapid 
volleys from the right, and the loud cheer that 
followed, told of the successful issue of Miles's at- 
tack on the Rebel flank as he rolled up the enemy's 
line now broken, routed and falling back incontinently, 
followed by Warren, who was soon in possession of the 
coveted White Oak Road, which we now retain. 

While all this was going on, heavy skirmishing was 
taking place on our line as far as Hatcher's Run. 
Under cover of a strong skirmish line. Turner's 
Division during the afternoon advanced several hun- 
dred yards, strongly intrenching, and with its Sharp- 
shooters silenced the guns of several batteries in its 
front. The brigades of General DeTrobriand and Mc- 
Allister, of the Third Division of the Second Corps, 
were likewise heavily engaged in skirmishing during 
the day, and succeeded in assuming an advanced line. 

Our casualties will probably reach eighteen hundred 
or two thousand, of which the Fifth Corps is believed 
to have sustained the loss of nearly one-half. 

Major Glenn, of the One Hundred and Ninty-eighth 
Pennsylvania, has the honor of capturing with his own 
hands, during the engagement of the Fifth Corps to- 
day, one stand of Rebel colors, belonging to Horral's 
brigade of Pickett's Division. General Miles also dis- 
played at his headquarters, this afternoon, a. Rebel 
color taken by his division. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 87 



From nine o'clock this morning 

Near Hatcher's Rim, va., until dark the Second Division 

March 31, 1865. ^ -^ Twcntv-fourth Corps weie 

Union Account. ^^ "-^^^ , . , -^ , • r . 

engaged with the enemy m Iront 
of that part of our lines lately held by the Second Corps. 
The enemy in our front was found to be their Third 
Corps under Hill, and the division engaged that of 
Heth. 

The ground held up to last evening by the pickets of 
this force was won by the Second Division, Twenty- 
fourth Corps, which at once threw up a strong line of 
log breastworks. 

At an early hour to-day a strong skirmish line was 
sent out, which pushed up to within a few hundred 
yards of the Rebel batteries and kept up such a deadly 
fire that the gunners were unable to work their guns 
for a time. They tried to fire, but the men were shot 
off as fast as they showed the least part of their bodies. 
Findino- our fire to be so deadly the enemy quickly lay 
under cover of their defenses, only returning a sharp 
fire of musketry. 

At eleven o'clock this morning the fighting along our 
line from the center of the left was sharp. The left of 
the Twenty-fourth Corps connected with the Second 
Corps, which had the Fifth on its left, and along the 
front of those three bodies there was for some time an 
incessant fire, the artillery on the left being loud, but 
in front of our center, where the Twenty-fourth Corps 
fouo-ht, it was nearly silent. By this incessant and 
deadly fire the First and Second Divisions of the 
Twenty-fourth Corps gained some ground, and steps 
were taken to hold it. The line of Sharpshooters kept 
the Rebel guns silent, while a strong line was pushed 
forward, and, under cover of this fire, threw up a new 
line of breastworks. Behind this our line lay while the 
skirmish line gained, step by step, but very slowly, 

more ground. cni r^ 

Th^ Second Division of the Twenty-fifth Corps, 



88 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF I'HE WAR. 

under General Birney, was held in reserve to the line 
of the Twenty-fourth all day, and was not called upon 
to fire a shot, but the colored troops were steadily 
engaged and showed no lack of spirit. Two brigades 
of the division were held in line behind the rear breast- 
work, while the other two — there being four in the 
division — stood further to the rear in reserve. 

The ground was a mixture of pine and clearings, like 
most of the scenes of action in Virgini:i. A long line 
of woods hid the Rebel batteries from view, and in those 
woods was drawn up one line under cover of its log 
breastworks, with the skirmish line thrown out in front 
close to the Rebel works. In the rear of the woods the 
ground was open and along it, about three-quarters of 
a mile from the woods, ran the old line of defenses 
lately held by the Second Corps. 

At six o'clock in the afternoon it was thought by 
General Gibbons, of the Twenty-fourth Corps, that by 
a sudden charge the First Division might be able to 
carry the batteries in its front, as the skirmish line had 
pushed up so near to them that the line would have 
only a few hundred yards to cross to reach the works, 
and the loss would be small. Dusk was thought a good 
time to make this attempt. After some consideration 
it was decided to defer this attack until a more proper 
moment. It may be that the possibility of there being 
some rear defenses which would command those in 
front, if taken. General Gibbons, who is a careful 
man, concluded to wait until he could better see what 
defenses were to be met. At daybreak to-morrow the 
attack may be made, and if the enemy have weakened 
their line to send troops to their right, the attack will, 
it is likely, succeed. 

The loss of the Twenty-fourth Corps in this day's 
fight will not exceed two hundred men, and the only 
officer of any rank in the list of casualties was Captain 
G. H. Brown, of the Sharpshooters, who was wounded 
fatally and died ten minutes after he was struck. The 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 89 

loss of the enemy it is not easy to guess, as their artil- 
lery must have lost a good number of men; but their 
line was kept well under cover of their defenses, so 
that their total loss could not have been great. 

About two hundred men came in from the Rebel line 
during the day, and there was an evident wish on the 
part of their men to desert when a chance offered. 



A detachment from General 
Goidsboro, N. c, Lilly's Command was sent out on 

March 31, 1865. ^ J . ^ j 1 j 

Union Account. ^ teconiioissance to-day beyond 

Little River. They found the 
enemy's cavalry in considerable force, but drove them 
back some three miles, returning without any loss what- 
ever. The Rebel forces are north of Tar River. 



While Generals Sherman and 
Newbern, N. c, Palmer were out riding to-day 

March 31, 1865, . . ^11./ 

Union Account. m a Carriage, the horses took 

fright and ran away. Fortu- 
nately they escaped without injury. 

The Rebels we locate to-day, for the time being, 
between Smithfield and Raleigh. 

When General Sherman returned to Newbern, he 
said, "There is no such thing as peace with the Rebels 
by negotiation. The issue must be fought out. Even 
this in face of the fact that it will be but few days until 
I lose a portion of our troops, and muster out of the 
service, at the expiration of four months, one of the 
bravest and best armies that ever trod the earth." 

Raleigh and Weldon are being strongly fortified by 
the Rebels. They cannot imagine when and where 
Sherman will turn up. 



90 THE LAvST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

At half-past twelve o'clock to- 
^''^^^if\l^- day General Grant telegraphed 

March 31, 1865. td -j ,. t • i r n 

Union Account. President Lmcoln as follows: 

"There has been much hard 
fighting this morning. The enemy drove our left from 
near Dabney's House, back well toward the Boydstown 
plank road. We are now about to take the offensive at 
that point, and I hope will more than recover the lost 
ground." Later he telegraphed again, as follows : 
"Our troops, after being driven back to the Boydstown 
plank road, turned and drove the enemy in turn and 
took the White Oak Road, which w^e now have. This 
gives us the ground occupied by the enemy this morn- 
ing. I will send you a Rebel flag captured by our 
troops in driving the enemy back. There have been 
four flags captured to-day." 



General Sherman returned last 
Goidsboro, N. c, night after an absence at City 

March 31, 1865. ^ '^ r -, r i tt 

Union Account. Pomt of nearly five days. He 

has had a consultation with Gen- 
eral Grant and the President, and doubtless ere long 
the points of that consultation will be made manifest 
to the world. 

General Meigs arrived here in a special train with 
General Easton, the Chief Quartermaster of the military 
division of the Mississippi, on Wednesday afternoon. 
They are using every exertion and straining every 
nerve to expedite the forwarding of supplies to this 
army. 

When General Sherman held his review of the troops 
composing his army, on the occasion of their marching 
into and occupying this town, a large portion of the men 
were barefooted, coatless, and some few actually pant- 
less. By the almost superhuman exertions of the 
various Quartermasters having this important matter in 
charge the army is now nearly entirely clothed and 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 91 

shod, and it will not be many days before they will be 
fully prepared to take the field. 

The railroad to Wilmington has been thoroughly 
repaired and is now in working order. We captured 
eight engines and forty-five freight cars on the occupa- 
tion of Wilmington, which have been turned to good 
account in assisting in bringing up the needful supplies 
to this army. 

There has been some considerable excitement in 
camp over the rumor that General Grant has had a 
severe fight with Lee at Richmond, defeating him with 
a loss of some twenty thousand killed and wounded and 
fifteen thousand prisoners. It is impossible to trace 
the origin of this story, which is doubtless, like many 
other camp stories, the work of some imaginative wag. 

The men composing this army are confident that the 
war will be over in sixty days, and are already calcula- 
ting on the probabilities of their being mustered out of 
service by the Government, in consequence of a lack of 
occupation for them. 

Extensive fortifications and field-works have been 
erected all around Goldsboro, and are of the most 
formidable dimensions of any your correspondent has 
ever seen. If Lee and Johnston should both unite their 
forces with all the others in Rebeldom they could be 
easily kept at bay by the impregnable works which 
have been erected by Sherman's army since its arrival 
at this place. 

Refugees continue to go north in great numbers ; not 
a train leaves here but is loaded down with them. 
They are principally destitute white people and con- 
trabands going to the plantations at Beaufort, S. C, and 
other places set apart by General Sherman for their 
benefit, and where white people are prohibited from 
settling. 



92 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

The western mail train from 
Baltimore, Md., |^g^g fo^ Wheeling, yesterday, 

March 31, 1865. ^ ,, tx/t t, , r^ m 

Union Account. was captured by MosDy's Gueril- 

las, and all the cars except five 
were burned. The passengers were all robbed. 



Rebel deserters in the vicinity of 
Cairo. III., Meridian, Mississippi, defy the 

March 31, 1865. . .^.' i fi . 

Union Account. authorities and threaten to 

annihilate the militia, and to 
burn their houses if they attempt to oppose them. On 
the other hand, Forrest declares if the militia fails to 
arrest deserters, he will go there in force and hang 
every organized deserter that is around. 



It is certainly believed here that 
New Orleans, La., ^yg shall soon have ncws from 

March 31, 1865. ^ ,. , • i l i. ^i j 

Union Account. Tcxas that Will Startle and 

gratify the whole country. It is 
known that a message has been received at Washing- 
ton from the Trans-Mississippi Department, proposing 
that enough cotton should be shipped down the river 
to pay off the Rebel troops in greenbacks, and that they 
should then be disbanded and allowed to take the oath 
of amnesty. A new Legislature is then to assemble, 
fresh from the people, to decide the question of inde- 
pendence or of return to the Union. The Rebel chiefs 
are, in consideration of a special amnesty for them- 
selves, to exercise their influence in electing a Legisla- 
ture favorable to reconstruction. 

Great anxiety is felt to learn the result of General 
Lew Wallace's mission to Brownsville, and as to the 
purport of the late communications with Galveston. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 93 

Prominent refugees from that State who are in this 
city, who profess to have information from officers, are 
highly excited, and anxiously awaiting news from the 
pending negotiations at Galveston. 



Saturday, April 1, 1865, 



The establishment of General 
^j^y.^rJ-J^-' Grant's headquarters to-day, on 

April 1,1865. ^-u T7 -u J U /t M 

Union Account. the Vaughn road, about half 

a mile west of Hatcher's Run, 
certainly means that more than usual is calculated on 
for to-day or possibly to-night. 



The weather is cool and pleasant. 

Richmond, va,, Excited couricrs have arrived 

con^federlte^ Account. fyo^ ofF the line of the South- 

side Railroad and report the 

Yankees as fighting their way through our lines, and 

their numbers as so great that we cannot much longer 

hold Petersburg. 

The number of Virginians reported absent from their 
regiments without leave, will, this morning, exceed 
fifty thousand. What can this mean? A few more 
days will certainly decide as to whether we will suc- 
ceed in longer holding together the Confederacy. 
With Sherman's army seemingly driving northward, 
and now reported at Goldsboro, N. C, it will be but a 
short time, in case Johnston does not crush him, until 
Lee will be completely pocketed. 

News reaches us to-night that General Pickett has 
lost control of his troops at Five Forks, and that the 
Yankees are gradually moving toward Richmond. It 
seems that our troops have become discouraged and are 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 95 

easily confused. The Yankee assault on Pickett's Divi- 
sion has completely demoralized it, if reports are true. 



General Sherman returned this 
Goidsboro, N. c, moruiug froui his consultation 

Union Accoun^t. with General Grant at City 

Point, Va., accompanied by his 
brother John Sherman, and Edwin Stanton, son of Sec- 
retary Stanton. 

Major General Cox assumes command of the 
Twenty-third Corps to-day. This Corps has won for 
itself an enviable reputation, and certainly is one of the 
finest bodies in the war. General Cox's appointment 
is pleasing to all of our boys. 

Troops sent down from Grant's army, to capture the 
Rebel Fort Fisher, have arrived. 

Our reorganization is about perfect and we are ready 
to begin movements toward a final campaign. 

A reconnoissance was made yesterday by Anderson's 
Third Brigade, and Reilly's Third Division of the 
Twenty-third Corps. They crossed Little River, drove 
back Wheeler's Rebel Cavalry pickets and a Rebel for- 
age train. They secured an abundance of corn and 
came back grinning from ear to ear. 

Deserters from Johnston's army say that he has con- 
centrated a force at Two Rivers, where, with a heavy 
detail of negroes, he is fortifying his army and felling 
trees across the roads to impede our northward march. 
This is in anticipation of our movement to connect 
with Grant, at or near Petersburg, Va. Johnston's 
army is still in the direction of Smithfield. His sup- 
plies, we understand, have been moved to Raleigh. 

A deserter from Johnston's army, who arrived here 
to-day, reports Johnston to have said that he lost five 
thousand men in the battle at Bentonville. 



q6 the last eour weeks of the war. 



The weather is pleasant and the roads are in excel- 
lent condition. We are in splendid spirits and ready 
for the command, Forward ! 



The advance of General Stone- 
Knoxviiie, Tenn., man's forcc entered and captured 

April 1,1865. ^i ^ r -n xt "ta ^ 

Union Acount. the town of Boonc, N. C, at 

twelve o'clock to-day. The 
Rebels lost ten killed and sixty-five wounded and 
taken prisoners. 

The Twelfth Kentucky Cavalry lost a few men. 
Stoneman's command is going straight into the north- 
ern portion of North Carolina, and if not checked will 
soon strike the very heart of the Rebellion. 



, . . Sheridan has chan2:ed his posi- 

Slieridan's Army, . ^ , , ° ^ ^ ^ 

In Front of Petersburg, va., tiou ot yesterday and has gone 
Apriii 1865. east of Diuwiddic Court House, 

Union Account. , . , r r , 

rendering a change of front on 
the part of the Fifth Corps imperative. The troops 
under Warren's command were, in consequence of 
Sheridan's change moved across the White Oak road at 
midnight, and down the Boydtown plank road to the 
Butler House, where they took a road leading west 
toward the Southside Railroad. 



. . „ We are waiting the development 

Fifth Army Corps, c <^\^ • ;i j 4.1. 1 

In Front of Petersburg, Va., 01 bneridan'S attack UpOU 

April 1,1865. Pickett's Rebel troops, which 

Union Account. ... ^ . ^ . atm 

Will decide our movement. The 
constant and fierce rattle of musketry and artillery is 
gradually coining nearer us, which means that Sheri- 
dan is driving the enemy toward us. The signal 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF' THEi WAR. 97 

department keeps Warren informed, and we are wait- 
ing orders to move toward the enemy. 

We are advancinef northwest- 

3:30 O'clock p. m. , , x. 4. r x, 

ward and are but a few hours 
from an engagement, as the Rebel troops are in front 
of us in large numbers. 

The enemy has taken a deter- 
p. m. mined stand to check Warren 

from further advancing. 

A desperate battle is now raging, 

5 : 30 O'clock p. m. .. -^ -. j • 

with our forces advancing 
steadily. The enemy are fighting bravely, but are 
yielding slowly, while our troops are taking every 
advantage possible. 

The fight of this afternoon has 
"■""■ been one of the most furious of 

the war, and continued until dark. The cannonading 
lias ceased and we are considerably nearer the South- 
side Railroad than we were at five o'clock. The loss 
of both sides is very heavy. 

As nearly as can be understood, the left of our line 
lias changed from its former position. Miles is reported 
to have retired from the left of the Second Corps and 
is now on Warren's right, holding his line along the 
Boydtown plank road. 



With the exception of an assault 

i^n'^RonfoTp'lt^rsbu^g'r^ of Fostcr's Divisiou of the Twen- 

Aprii 1 , 1 865. ty-fourth Corps, supported by two 

Union Account. ^f q^^,^ Brigades, on Ft. Gregg, 

at one o'clock this afternoon, the rest of our line has 

remained undisturbed during the day. 

The enemy first attacked Foster upon his advanced 
position gained yesterday, about an hour before day- 
break, and succeeded in capturing thirty of our men 



98 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 



and a portion of the works held by the One Hundredth 
New York. This lasted but a moment, when the gal- 
lant Eleventh Maine and Tenth Connecticut immedi- 
ately charged, retaking our former position, driving 
the Rebels back and capturing one hundred prisoners. 
The battle was desperate and of great interest to our 
army. 

The Rebels have completed 
Goidsboro, N. c, their arrano^ements to evacuate 

April 1, 1865. -n. 1 • 1 A 11 1 1 

Union Account. Raleigh. All the departments 

of the State government have 
been removed to Greensboro. 



It is evidently the intention of 
TriTr'i'ses" President Davis and the Con- 

confiderate Account. federate Government officers to 
move from this city. An evacu- 
ation and surrender of the capital is not far off. The 
assets of the banks have been sent off by the Danville 
Road; the machinery of the percussion cap factories 
have gone, and much of the Tredegar Iron Works 
machinery is being placed on the cars ready to leave. 

Our army is reported not to have to exceed ten days' 
supplies in this city. 

Nothing has been heard from Alexander H. Stephens, 
who seems to have deserted President Davis. 

Flour is fifteen hundred dollars per barrel; tea, one 
hundred dollars per pound; coffee, fifty dollars; bacon, 
eighteen dollars; beef, fifteen dollars; and eggs are this 
morning quoted at thirty-five dollars per dozen. 



Army of the Potomac, "^^'^ ^^^^^ of the CUCmy tO-day 

In Front of Petersburg, Va., tO Carry OUr line lU frout of the 

April 1, 1865. Twenty-fourth Corps, having 

Union Account. 1 r 1 -i. • 2.' j 

been unsuccessful, it is noticed 
that there is unusual activity on their side at this hour, 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 99 

nine o'clock in the evening. The rays of light from 
their camp fires show that a movement of some sort is 
anticipated. 

Our left is quiet. Our right on the line directly in 
front of Petersburg is in action at this time. The con- 
stant roar of cannon tells of an unusually fierce artillery 
duel. Considerable musketry is also heard and it is 
not improbable that a charge is being made near the 
Appomattox River. 

The general impression current here this evening is 
that an assault will be made on the entire Rebel line 
before daybreak. Our boys are in excellent spirits and 
are anxious to enter into what they hope may be the 
closing conflict of the war. 



Gold is one dollar and fifty-one 
New York, ccuts to-day. Sales have been 

April 1, 1865. made at one dollar and fifty-two 

and one-half cents and one dol- 
lar and fifty-three cents, but the demand was not large. 
Flour, eight dollars and twenty-five cents for family; 
wheat, one dollar and fifty to one dollar and sixty cents; 
oats, sixty cents; rye, one dollar; barley, one dollar and 
twenty-five cents; clover seed, twelve dollars and sev- 
enty-five cents; lard, seventeen and one-half cents; 
coffee, thirty-one cents; sugar, thirteen cents; butter, 
thirty cents; eggs, eighteen cents; hay, twenty-seven 
dollars. 



Clothing has been issued and our 
Goidsboro, N. c, \yQy^ [^ j^^^ Uniforms present a 

April 1, 1865. 1 r 1 >ta 

Union Account. morc chccrful appearance. To 

see Sherman's army in its dress 
of to-day is a striking contrast from that of its entrance 
into Goidsboro. 



too THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

The health of the army is all that could be desired. 
Few are sick and our hospital accommodations are 
ample. 



The enemy, we understand, has 
Petersburg, Va., throwu Up intreucliments on the 

April 1, 1865. ,. r i • . - • -j 

Confederate Account. ^^e of his recent extension, and 
still occupies the position on the 
Boydtown plank road. It is believed that the enemy 
is still at Dinwiddle Court House. Thursday afternoon 
General Fitz Lee attacked and dislodged a division of 
Sheridan's cavalry from a position it had taken be- 
tween the plank road and Southside Railroad, and 
drove the Yankees some distance. 

A few prisoners were captured who reported them- 
selves as belonging to Merritt's Division. On Friday 
forenoon the enemy then attacked the position on 
White Oak road, to the right of Burgess's Mills, and 
were met by a charge of our troops and handsomely 
driven back. They were pursued some distance south 
of the plank road, where they took refuge behind the 
main line of their works. It was deemed impracticable 
to attack them there, and our troops retired. The 
charo^e of our men is said to have been one of the most 
beautiful of the war. They advanced in perfect order 
and swept the opposing ranks before them like chaff. 
We sustained some loss, but not heavy. We captured 
upward of three hundred prisoners yesterday morning, 
who will probably reach this city to-day. 

The enemy keeps his flank well guarded. 

Our lines are secure against all attacks of the enemy. 
On the whole, all goes well with us, and ere long we 
hope to be able to chronicle a glorious victory for our 
arms and a crushing defeat to the enemy. 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. lOl 

A courier iust arrived from 

Army of the Potomac, ^^ . , , / , .,i -, • 

In Front of Petersburg, Va., Shendail's Iront With gloriOUS 

April 1, 1865. news. Slieridaii's cavalry and 

Union Account. ^,7. > • r 1. j ^ 

Warren's infantry advanced 
against the enemy this afternoon, driving them 
several miles and capturing about five thousand 
prisoners and several pieces of artillery. The Rebels 
fell back to Two Forks, where they were flanked by a 
part of the Fifth Corps, which had gone down the 
White Oak road. It was here that a desperate fight 
was held and the captures made. The Johnnies then 
retreated south along the White Oak road, and were 
hotly pursued by Sheridan, while McKenzie's cavalry, 
from the Army of the James, advanced west on the 
Ford road toward the Southside Railroad, which they 
expect to strike before morning. Should the Rebels 
lose this railroad to-night, what will become of them ? 
This is their only line of supply and with its capture 
they will be compelled to abandon both Petersburg and 
Richmond. 

Heavy cannonading is now — midnight' — heard in the 
neighborhood of the Sixth Corps. An engagement on 
that part of the line is generally desperate and the re- 
sult is anxiously awaited. 



General Meade has decided to 

Army of the Potomac. . .1 ^^^^^,. *-,^ fi»^c» f/^ 

in Front of Petersburg, Va., glVC the eucmy UO time tO 

April 1, 1865. scud re-euforcemeuts against 

union Account. Sheridan. At nine o'clock to- 

night Meade orders the Second, Twenty-fourth, Sixth 
and Ninth Corps to make a simultaneous attack on the 
enemy. Only Meade and the Corps Commanders are 
aware of the movement at this hour, half past nine. 
Messengers are in front of Meade's headquarters with 
their horses ready to carry dispatches to each command, 
and before morning a great conflict can be expected. 



I02 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

General Thomas has ordered a 

Fourth Army Corps, i . r i ir i i j i 

Shields Mills, Tenn., lot of half brokeii-down horses 
April 1, 1865. to be sold to the people for 

Union Account. - . ^ ^ 

farming purposes. 

Our First Division made a march here from Straw- 
berry Plains without burning a rail or stealing a chicken. 
For the first time in the history of this Division has 
any kind of poultry had the cheek to cross our path 
without paying the penalty of death. 

A large squad of our men, who have escaped from 
Salisbury and Columbia Rebel prisons, passed through 
here to-day. 

The condition of our troops is the best. Although 
we are not as actively engaged as are some of our 
brothers, yet we look upon the strife with approving 
satisfaction, and that what glory has been achieved in 
the Carolinas and Virginia, we helped bring about in 
the masterly destruction of Hood's army. 



All day lono^ this corps has 

Second Army Corps, ^ 1,1 '^i • 

In Front of Petersburg, Va.. foUght the CUCmy With Vigor, 

April 1,1865. and gradually fixed its line 

union Account. ^^^^^^ -^ ^^.^^ ^^ ^j^^-^ ^^^^^p 

firing. The left of our corps extends beyond the 
Boydtown road and rests on the White Oak road, where 
we connect with the Fifth Corps. In our front is a 
part of Hiirs (Rebel) Third Corps; the other part of 
that corps lies in front of the Twenty-fourth Corps,, 
which is on our right. 

The ground on which our corps has fought all day 
is mostly thick with woods. While it affords what 
might be called good cover they were unfavorable for 
the action of our line in close order, and the ground 
was, in fact, more favorable to the enemy than tQ VS, 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 103 

, . . „ At four o'clock this morning- the 

Twenty-fourth Army Corps, t-» 1 1 ^ r . . ^ 

Near Hatcher's Run, va., Rebels made a fierce attack on 
April 1,1865. our corps, with their usual yell, 

Union Account. -^^ ^|^^ ^^^^ ^^ taking US by sur- 

prise. At one point they were successful, driving the 
One Hundredth New York picket line back from our 
line, but they could not hold it long. The Eleventh 
Maine and the Tenth Connecticut came down upon the 
enemy and quickly forced thern out of the point gained 
and back to their own line. Another attempt was not 
made by the enemy to-day. 

A sharp firing has been constant along our front all 
day. Our Sharpshooters are picking off the Rebel 
gunners nearly as fast as they dare approach their bat- 
teries, making it hard work for them to keep their 
heavy guns in action. 



The day has been what might be 

Sixth Army Corps, , 1 . , j.-u • r i. 

In Front of Petersburg, Va., termed a qUlCt OUC OU thlS frOUt, 

April 1, 1865. the Rebels seemingly being con- 

Union Account. ^^^^ ^-^^^ ^^^ '^^^^ of being 

allowed to hold their line at this point. Our corps has 
laid all day in readiness for activity if deemed advisa- 
ble, while it is noticed that the enemy was weakening 
their line, which we deem prudent to observe closely. 



Quietness has reigned along the 

.„ Fr::"':,*;e7eX va., front of this corps for the greater 

April 1,1865. part of the day. Only a few 

Union Account. gj^^^g j^^^g bccu fired OU the 

picket line as compared with former days. ' We are 
ready for an attack and expect orders for a move for- 
ward every moment. Our line, on both sides, has been 
in action to-day, and, from what can be learned, has 
been successful. 



I04 THE LAST FOUR WKEKS OF THE WAR. 

Firing is now heard in front of 
the Second Corps, which is rap- 
idly coming this way. 

.^^^^, . , The Rebel batteries have opened 

10:30 O'clock p.m. .^ 4.r^i,o j/^ j 

m front of the Second Corps and 
the pine woods resound with the din of a heavy fight 
on their front. 

,,„, . . The firing: has reached iis and 

11 O'clock p. m. ^r , . , 

cannonading and musketry are 
heard in every direction. A great battle is now raging 
and many dead and wounded are being carried to the 
rear. 



The few shots of fifteen min- 

Second Army Corps, . .1 .... 

In Front of Petersburg, Va., ^^tCS agO, OU the picket hllC On 

April 1, 1885. our frout, has now grown into a 

Union Account. desperate rattle. All of the 

10: 15 p. m. T-r • -I -r» 1 1 1 

Union and Rebel batteries are 
active, and a fierce battle is now on. 

11 O'clock p. m. ^^^ fig^t still continues and the 

heavens glitter from the explo- 
sion of mortar shells in the air and the flash of powder 
from along our line. 

.« «, . ■ .... . ... Firing- on our front has nearly 

12 O'clock Midnight. 1 ^ -, ^ - 

ceased. Our boys are cheering. 
The Johnnies received the worst of it. 



.r , . ,^ . „ At ten o'clock to-nis^ht we are 

Twenty-fourth Army Corps. . , . - ^ ^ »_.- 

In Front of Petersburg. Va., again engaged lu battle. The 
April 1, 1865. euns OU both sides are as active 

Union Account. *=* . . ., , _ - - 

as it IS possible to find them 
The bomb proofs are vacant and the rear of every sand 
bag on this front is hugged by our infantry men with 
their rifles working. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 



105 



Cheers are heard from the posi- 
11 O'clock p. m. ^.^^^ ^^ ^^^ g^^^^^^ ^^^pg^ ^^.^^^ 

means that we have again repulsed the enemy. 
11:45 O'clock p. m. Firing has died down. 



The quietness of to-day has now 
changed. Every gunner on both 
sides is now hard at work and a 
terrible battle is now being 
fought. The air is a stream of 
fire from the explosion of mortar shells. 

The line on our front has quieted 
down and firing nearly ceased. 



Sixth Army Corps, 

In Front of Petersburg, Va. 

April 1, 1865. 

Union Account. 

10 O'clock p. m. 



11:50 O'clock p. m. 



Petersburg, Va., 

April 1, 1865. 

Confederate Account. 



Flour sold to-day at the mod- 
erate price of $1,100 per barrel. 
Sugar and bacon are equally 
reasonable in price. 



General Steele's command has 

Pensacoia, Fia., -j^q^ with much Opposition, but 

u'nioi Account no regular battle was fought 

until it reached Mitchell's Fork 

on Tuesday morning, March 28, when the enemy, 

numbering about eight hundred, made a stand, and 

after a severe fight were repulsed and scattered in the 

woods, many being captured. 



Rebel steamers ply regularly 
between Mobile and the Span- 
ish Fort, conveying re-enforce- 
ments and guns. 
Two of our men have been injured by torpedoes 
near Mobile. 



New Orleans, La., 
April 1, 1865. 
Union Account. 



Io6 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OV THE WAR. 

General Grant telegraphs at 
Washington, D. c, j^^lf past four tliis aftemoon that 

April 1, 1865. . -^ _ ^. i- r 

Union Account. he had a continuous line of 

troops and in a few hours would 
be intrenched from the Appomattox below Petersburg 
to the river above. The whole captures since the 
army started out would not amount to less than 
twelve thousand men and probably fifty pieces of 
artillery. 

It is stated here that Grant promised the entry of 
President Lincoln into Richmond within the next 
twenty-four hours. 



Information received to-day 
New Orleans, La., states that a portiou of Canby's 

April 1, 1865. .^1 . ~ .- -^ r 

Union Account. army was withm five miles of 

Mobile and siege guns were in 

position from which shells could be thrown into the 

suburbs of the city. The attack on Fort Blakely, the 

main defense of Mobile, had already commenced. 

Maury is in command at Mobile, and Gen. Dick 
Taylor commands the Spanish Fort. Generals Canby 
and Granger were up Fishing Creek on the twenty- 
fourth. Our gunboats were shelling the woods at 
the mouth of Fishing Creek. 



The East Tennessee and Vir- 
^T''-!1\lH^' ginia Railroad has been com- 

April1,1865. 1 ^ J ^ -n, 11, ^ rr r 

Union Account. pleted to Bull's Gap, fifty-five 

miles east of here. Trains are 
now making regular trips. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 107 

The schooner St. Mary was to- 
Baitimore, Md., ^^^y boarded bv a o:ang of pirates 

April 1,1865. ' T^ . 4- -D- -U c^^;A 

Union Account. ^ Pawtuxet River, who said 

they had captured eight schoon- 
ers that were lying at anchor in various rivers between 
here and Point Lookout. The crews were paroled and 
released. 



We have advices that the Reb- 
in Front of Mobile, Ala.. ^j JQgs iusidc Spanish Fort is 
uSion Account. ^vc hundred killed and wound- 

ed, out of four thousand. Our 
total loss, based on the estimates of two corps, is prob- 
ably the same. The proportion of killed is small. 

The Seventh Corps is investing Fort Blakely, six 
miles above Spanish Fort. 

General Thomas, with the Fourth Corps and a corps 
of cavalry, are expected in the rear of Mobile. 

The Sixteenth Corps is laying a pontoon bridge over 
the river near Fort Blakely. We think it is the Toni- 
bigbee River. 



The Yankees, yesterday, were at 
seima, Ala., Randolph, on the Blue Moun- 

April 1, 1865. ^ . t~,^-i j • ^ j 

Confederate Account. taiu Railroad, coiniug toward 
Selma. 

Look for a fight near Selma to-day or to-morrow. 
We feel sanguine. Trains are running through to Pol- 
lard. 

Forrest is in front of the enemy with considerable 
force. The big fight will probably be at Plantersville. 



lo8 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

The enemy invested Spanish 

Mobile. Ala., ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^' ^^^ ^^^'^ erect- 

Aprii 1, 1865. ed a heavy battery south of the 

Confederate Account. foj-t, from which he keepS Up a 

steady fire. 

The enemy, to-day, moved up toward Blakely, and 
it is expected that he will attack the place to-morrow. 

Firing has been heavy all week, but the Yankees 
made no impression on our works. Our loss is light, 
while that of the enemy is heavy. 

All things go well. 



Sunday, April 2, 1865 



At one o'clock this morning, 
'" ''A°"rii°2 7865*'"'^' General Wilcox had orders to 
Union ^Aclount. demonstrate on the right of the 

line so as to draw the Rebels 
from the left, preparatory to operations in that quarter. 
Shortly after this Admiral Porter and all the artillery 
in the works on the right, were also set to work. Wil- 
cox's skirmish line was advanced, the Rebels were 
aroused, and soon sharp volleys of musketry were 
heard, indicating that they were also at work. Amid 
the noise and smoke the skirmishers pushed on until 
reaching the outskirts of Petersburg, where they met 
a heavy body of Rebels advancing upon them. 

A brisk fight followed, but we were overpowered and 
compelled to fall back. General Wilcox then massed 
for an attack on the Rebel Fort Mahone. While this 
was being done, similar dispositions were making for 
the line to the left of Fort Mahone. A system of sig- 
nals had been agreed upon by cannonading, fixing a 
time of starting, that all might assault simultaneously. 
Owing to a heavy fog on the field, the enemy failed to 
observe our movement closely. At four o'clock the 
signal was given. The men, with fixed bayonets, ad- 
vanced steadily and in perfect order. That it was a 
calculation to advance and hold any position was 
proven by seeing a detachment of heavy artillery ac- 
company the infantry, that they might be prepared to 
turn and work the enemy's guns. 

Presently musketry was heard, and the Rebel picket 
line was reached; now a hearty cheer, followed by the 



110 THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

roar of musketry. Soon the whole line was in action. 
Now came the report of the artillery on both sides, 
where two hundred big guns belched forth their thun- 
der and missiles of death. Brigadier . General Harri- 
man, of the Thirty-seventh Wisconsin, gave the order 
to charge; up and away our noble boys went, over 
breastworks, riflepits, abatis, chevaux-de-frise — the 
parapet of the first, into the main works, and the 
deed was accomplished. The thunderstruck Rebels 
looked but an instant and then took to their heels, but 
our boys were too fleet for them and captured two 
hundred and fifty. Nine guns were found in this fort, 
and, quickly turned, were set at work on the Rebel bat- 
teries. This, with the simultaneous action further left, 
cut the Rebel line in two, took from them their com- 
manding position and many of their heavy guns. 
Scarcely did we recognize our position, when the 
Rebels reorganized their forces and came upon the 
fort determined to regain it. The assault they made 
was desperate, and in the face of terrific discharges 
of grape and cannister and withering volleys of mus- 
ketry. It was no use ; they were sent back in dis- 
order and suffered very heavily. The Rebel General 
Hill is reported as having been killed in this assault 
while leading his men up to retake their lost ground. 
Meantime the Sixth and Twenty-fourth Corps, hav- 
ing broken through the Rebel lines in their front, 
were swung around to their rear, and, coming down 
both upon their rear and flank, it was evident that 
Petersburg was lost to the Rebellion. The movements 
of the Sixth Corps were so rapid that General Lee 
himself narrowly escaped capture. As it was his 
headquarters fell into our hands. 

At half past four o'clock this 

Sixth Army Corps, momiug wc left our lines to 

uSion^Aclount. attack the Rebel left center. We 

moved in echelon, so as to enable 

us to throw forward our left and flank the works of the 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. HI 

enemy one after another. In a moment a battery of 
four guns opened upon our First Division, but by a 
rapid change of the First Brigade it was immediately 
captured. The enemy's batteries now opened from 
every point, but on, on went our gallant braves. The left 
soon reached the enemy's works in their front, and one 
by one they fell into our hands. At half past ten 
o'clock a grand picture of war presented itself. The 
line of our corps with its left in advance was sweep- 
ing on toward two heavy Rebel forts. The Rebels 
plied their guns vigorously^ and shells were bursting 
everywhere on our line. On pushed the left division 
until it struck the Southside Railroad. Against 
the two Rebel forts went the Second Division, 
our artillery playing its part well on the Rebel forts, 
from a commanding position, until we were close up to 
them. Then came a dash of our line which was met 
by a terrible storm of cannister, compelling us for a 
moment to realize where we were. Again we pounced 
upon the Rebel line and met with success ; but so reso- 
lute were the Rebels that some of them used the bayo- 
net for a short time. When we had possession, such a 
cheer as went up from our line cannot be pictured ; the 
enemy meanwhile flying to their inner lines, there to 
stay a further advance from us. Just here General 
Sheridan appeared on the field amid the cheers of the 
Sixth Corps. Our entire line was changing its long 
front to the right, and slowly before it the enemy gave 
way and fell back upon their inner defenses. 

Against the line to which they fell back a heavy 
force was now pitted, composed of portions of the 
Twenty-fourth, Sixth and Twenty-fifth Corps. A lull 
took place and when the force was ready to move it 
was plain that a distinct action was to be fought. Dusk 
is now upon us and to reasonably predict the action of 
this army before the morning's rays of light appear 
would be impossible. 

The Second Corps, connecting with the right of the 



112 I'HE LAST li^OUR WEEKS O^ THE WAR. 

Fifth Corps, was also victorious, notwithstanding they 
had, perhaps, the roughest ground to fight over, and a 
brave and desperate foe in the Rebel Third Corps on 
their front. 

The line of the Ninth Corps was stronger than at 
any other point. It delivered many assaults during 
the day and met with severe loss. To-night it is close 
up to the main line of defenses, but unable to go 
further. The First Division of the Tenth Corps aided 
the Ninth Corps greatly. 



To-day came bringing with it a 
In Front of Petersburg, va., guu dimmed ouly by the battle 
u^nion ^Aclount. smokc of the four days preced- 

ing and the Indian-summery haze 
which for a week had hung over the two armies. Sher- 
idan's legion of prisoners began to arrive at Humphrey 
Station on their way to City Point, seemingly well 
pleased with the change in their condition. A grand 
right wheel of the whole line south , of the Appo- 
mattox had been decided upon by General Grant. 
The Sixth and Ninth Corps, the latter east and the 
former southeast and south of Petersburg, had been 
ordered to make a grand and combined assault upon 
the enemy's works in their front, while the command 
of General Ord on both sides of Hatcher's Run moved 
to their support, followed by the Second, which was 
to connect on the left of the Sixth, southwest of the 
town. 

Early in the morning Turner's and Foster's Divisions 
of Ord's command, moved to the support of the Sixth 
Corps, leaving Birney, of the Colored Division, to 
charge the enemy simultaneously with the Second on its 
left. The charge of the Second Corps and of Birney's 
Division of the Twenty-fourth was almost a bloodless 
one ; no enemy but a few pickets were found in their 
front, and Birney's and the Second and Third Divisions 



THE LAST FOUR WEKKS OE THE WAR. II3 

of Humphrey's Corps continued their grand right 
wheel, and at or about eleven o'clock in the morning- 
were on the line of the Sixth, southwest of Petersburg. 
But the gallant old Sixth and Ninth had already 
accomplished the work assigned them. The Sixth, 
supported by Ord, had advanced two miles, carried a 
complete line of formidable works, including a number 
of forts, and had seized the Southside Railroad, while 
the Ninth, almost as successful, had, by a series of 
assaults, forcibly pos.sessed three almost impregnable 
salients, and occupied Fort Mahone in front of Fort 
Hell, the three Corps alone capturing thirty-two guns, 
nearly three thousand prisoners, and an indefinite num- 
ber of colors. And thus it was accomplished. 



Glorious news has just arrived 
In Front of Petersburg, va., f^^j^^ Sheridan. Hchasstruck 

Union Account. the Soutlisidc railroad, which he 

now holds. In the engagement 
yesterday afternoon he captured four thousand prison- 
ers and several batteries of artillery. 

The Fifth Corps, which was supporting the cavalry, 
liave also taken fifteen guns and about two thousand 
prisoners, enabling Sheridan to drive back the force 
which in the latter part of yesterday checked his 
advance in the vicinity of Dinwiddle Court House. 

On receiving the news it was determined to give the 
enemy no time to send troops to their right, and at 
once a simultaneous attack was ordered all along the 
lines by the Ninth, Sixth, Twenty-fourth and Second 
Corps. 

The order was given about nine o'clock at night, and 
in less than an hour a furious assault began on the 
Rebel intrenchments in the fronts of their several com- 
mands, resulting in the enemy being driven in con- 
fusion from their first into their second line of works, 
with a loss of over five thousand prisoners, several forts 
and about twenty pieces of artillery. 



ri4 I'HE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OT THE WAR. 

The Second Corps was engaged all day with the 
enemy in their front, and in spite of the terrible fire of 
musketry poured into their ranks by the Rebels behind 
their works succeeded in maintaining their new line 
several hundred yards in advance of the line they occu- 
pied in the morning. Two divisions of Hill's Corps held 
the Rebel line in front of the Second Corps, the other 
division being opposed to the Twenty-fourth Corps, 
which joins the Second on the right; the ground over 
which the Second Corps fought was for the most part 
covered with pine forests, which, while affording good 
shelter to our men, were unfavorable for flank move- 
ments and the maintenance of our lines in close order. 

The Twenty-fourth Corps occupies the center of our 
line, holding the position previously occupied by the 
Second, its left connecting with the Second at Hatch- 
er's Run, and its right joining the left of the Sixth 
Corps. 

Before daylight this morning the Rebels made a furi- 
ous assault on this position of our line, driving a por- 
tion of the Third Brigade from their breastworks, and 
capturing about eighty or a hundred prisoners. Their 
success, however, did not last long, the Two Hundred 
and Sixth Pennsylvania, by a gallant charge, compel- 
ling them to abandon their position and driving them 
back beyond their first battle line. A sharp fire was 
kept up all day by both sides. Owing to the hot fire 
by our Sharpshooters, the enemy was unable to work 
his guns, and consequently very few casualties occur- 
red on our side from shells. Our batteries, however, 
rained an incessant fire into their intrenchments, 
which must have caused them some loss. 

There was little fighting in front of the Sixth Corps 
until night, when considerable shelling occurred. 

Quiet also reigned along the Ninth Corps front. 

So matters stood until ten o'clock, when the Second 
Corps v/ere started into sharper attention by a few 
shots on their front, soon swelling into battling volleys. 



THK LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. II5 

The batteries joined their deep bass to the martial mu- 
sic and the pine woods rang with the clamor, and were 
fitfully illuminated by the g^lare. The firing spread 
rapidly to the front of the Twenty-fourth Corps, and 
on to the Sixth, then away to the right till it reached 
the Ninth Corps, about eleven o'clock, by which time 
the fighting was at its height. Presently cheers broke 
out on the front of the Second, as the fire slackened. 
By half past two the fire had nearly ceased along the 
whole line, but at four o'clock in the morning it sud- 
denly broke out again, nearer than ever to the Second 
Corps, while sharp artillery practice was heard far to 
the right, and again the crash of battle sped from end 
to end of the line. 

The battle is raging fiercely, and thank God the col- 
ors are advancing all along the line. 



The tocsin this morning early 
Richmond, Va., ^^s heard and the militia or- 

con?rdera1e\^c?ount. dcrcd iuto the fortificatious to 
relieve some regiments belong- 
ing to Longstreet's Corps that were posted on this side 
of the James River. They were hurried to Petersburg, 
where no doubt they will be engaged to-day. 

Rumors afloat are to the effect that our loss near the 
Southside Railroad yesterday was fearful, and that our 
troops were overpowered by the Federals. There is 
evidence of truth in this report, as unusual activity all 
through the city in military and Government circles 
proves it. 

At one o'clock intense excitement is found in every 
section of the city. Reliable information is in circu- 
lation that President Davis received a message from 
Geneial Lee, while listening to the Rev. Dr. Hoge, at 
St. Paul's Church, stating that it was impossible to 
longer hold out against Grant, and that the surrender 



Il6 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

of Petersburg was imperative. This news spread so 
quickly that the congregations in all of our churches 
were dismissed before the completion of religious ser- 
vice. A notice was given from the pulpit by Dr. Min- 
negerodo that General Ewell desired all local forces in 
this city to assemble at three o'clock in the afternoon. 
This will result in no further service in the churches 
to-day. 

Excited women are moving about with fear, in 
anticipation of what the next twenty-four hours may 
bring forth. 

It is reported that Mrs. Davis has sold all her furni- 
ture. This is not true. Not a single piece has been 
taken away, nor will it be. Some pieces, rather dilap- 
idated, were sent to the different stores some time ago 
for disposal, but none that were of modern construc- 
tion or of particular value. 



Last night a squad of twenty- 
shieids Mills, Tenn., f^^^ hearty, able-bodied negroes 

April 2, 1865. . ^^ . . -d i i 

Union Account. Came lu, fleeing irom Rebel con- 

scription. 

We pride ourselves on being in the best condition of 
any corps in the army, both as to numbers and effi- 
ciency. The First Division under General Kimball 
try to claim that they are the most perfect in the 
corps but they must admit it as a whole and not in 
pieces. 

We are about seventy miles from Knoxville. Lee 
will possibly not come down this way. Should he 
try it, he will find the Fourth Corps ready for action 
on a moment's notice. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. II7 

Nine thousand Federal troops 

Augusta, Ga., attacked Selma this evening. 

con?e'dera1e Account. ^hey drove our forces from the 

intrenchments, and turned our 

left flank. Our loss in prisoners is very large. The 

Yankees have possession of Selma. 



Monday, April 3, 1865 



The first number of a Union 
Petersburg, Va„ newspaper, twelve by twenty 

April 3, 1865. . . ^ ^ .' , -^ . , , ^ 

Union Account. inclies, printed on one side only, 

has been started here and called 
"Grant's Petersburg Progress." Its motto is, "Eternal 
vigilance is the price of liberty." 

The leading editorial has the appropriate heading, 
"We are here," and under the firm' of "We, Us & Co." 
they say : "Our intentions are strictly honorable. We 
intend to publish a live paper as long as circumstances 
will permit; that is, as long as we can steal the paper 
and get men detailed to set the type. Our terms will 
be ten cents a paper and invariably in advance, except 
to Lieutenant, Major and Brigadier Generals; no credit 
given to others on any consideration, except im- 
mediately before the advent of the Paymaster. 

"We are not particular as to the medium of exchange, 
and will take hard-tack, greenbacks, cigars, postage 
stamps, and in fact most any available currency, Con- 
federate bonds and contrabands always excepted. 

"For politics, the color of our cloth will be a suf- 
ficient guarantee that we are not very deeply imbued 
with a sense of the beauties of the secession firm in the 
village north of us. We believe in the United States, 
one and indivisible; in Abraham Lincoln, our adopted 
father, in U. S. Grant, Captain of the Hosts, and our- 
selves as the principal sojourners in the Army of the 
Potomac; and the Freedom of the Contraband, tl:e 
speedy extinction of the Rebellion and the perdition ot 
Jeff. Davis here and hereafter." 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. II9 

Richmond has fallen. It was 
Richmond, va., surrendered to our troops by 

April 3, 1865. ^, r .1 ^ ^ ' 1 . 

Union Account. the mayor of thecity at eight 

o'clock this morning. The Sec- 
ond Brigade of the Third Division of the Twenty- 
fourth Corps, commanded by General Ripley, led the 
advance upon the town, Major General Weitzel and his 
staff heading the column. 

Upon entering the suburbs of the city. General 
Weitzel sent a small detachment of the Fourth Massa- 
chusetts Cavalry to meet the Mayor of the city, from 
whom General Weitzel received the keys of the public 
buildings. The Army of the James then marched 
triumphantly into the Rebel capital, having met with 
no opposition whatever. 

After leaving our works in front of the Rebel in- 
trenchments, our army was greeted with enthusiastic 
cheers by the populace, who have thus far behaved in 
a becoming manner, and have shown us every respect. 

The colored population were excessively jubilant and 
danced for very joy at the sight of their sable brethren 
in arms, the Twenty-fifth Corps, who followed close 
upon the heels of General Rij)ley's brigade of the 
Twenty-fourth Corps in the entree of the Union forces 
into Richmond. 

About daylight this morning our forces were formed 
in line of battle in front of our works confronting Rich- 
mond, and were then moved up by General Weitzel. A 
few stray shots were fired by the retreating Rebels, in- 
juring no one. Beyond this no opposition was offered 
us and our troops filed into the Rebel works and up 
the Osborne and Newmarket road to the city. 

An inspection of the Rebel works disclosed the fact 
of their having left in great haste. Many of their 
quarters were left without a thing being taken out of 
them. Pistols, revolvers, carbines and arms of every 
description were found in profusion, clothing of 
every description was in abundance, and in some of 



I20 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

the officers' quarters were found their pri\aLe corre- 
spondence, diaries, &c. 

While stragglers were pillaging the deserted camps 
our army continued its march toward the city. The 
enemy had planted torpedoes in front of Fort Gilmore, 
and so thickly that it was found necessary to march the 
column in single file through the fort. They had at- 
tached to every torpedo a stick with a piece of red 
webbing tied on it, to mark the locality of the infernal 
machines. This precaution they had observed for the 
safety of their own men. General Weitzel had some 
days previously been informed of the fact of their hav- 
ing planted the torpedoes and how they were marked. 

The General's precaution of not moving until day- 
light over the ground immediately in front of Fort 
Gilmore was a very wise one, as, had the torpedoes 
been exploded, the destruction of life must necessarily 
have been great. 

A couple of hours more brought us into the heart of 
the Rebel city. 

The sight of the burning buildings was truly sorrow- 
ful. That part of the city along the river front known 
as the main business part was one vast sheet of flame. 

What with the roaring and dashing and clashing, 
burning and tumbling buildings, the shouts of our sol- 
diers moving up the main streets to the Capitol, the 
music of Union bands playing the Star Spangled Ban- 
ner, the shouts of welcome and the excitement of the 
people, was a scene of grandeur and magnificence never 
to be eflfaced from memory. 

The thought of entering the city of Richmond, that 
city seemingly the objective point of a four years' war, 
in such a style without a struggle, after many hard- 
fought battles to possess it, in which thousands of our 
brave heroes have been slain, was calculated to thrill 
the hearts of all in the column. 

General Weitzel immediately established his head- 
quarters in the State Capitol, in the hall lately occupied. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 121 

by the Virginia House of Delegates, and immediately 
instituted measures to restore order to the town, as all 
was a Babel of confusion. 

The Rebel rear guard, a small body of cavalry, re- 
treated in the direction of Lynchburg only a few min- 
utes before our advance entered the town. The main 
body of the enemy commenced to retreat about ten 
o'clock Sunday evening. Their destination was be- 
lieved to have been Lynchburg, but whether they will 
strike for that point, when they come to learn the strait 
in which Lee, with the main body of his army, has 
been forced into, is doubtful. 

Jefferson Davis remained in the city till dark last 
night, having, however, sent his family to Charlotte, 
N. C, some time during the preceding week. 

The inhabitants generally were not informed of the 
contemplated evacuation until they saw the Confeder- 
ate troops passing through the town from the east. 
Then the truth flashed upon them that they were to 
be left to the mercy of the Yankees. 

A number of these, fearful that their past misdeeds 
would not recommend them to the clemency of the 
United States Government, hastily left their all to share 
the fate and fortune of the Rebel army, an army so 
shattered that it can hardly be dignified by that name. 



Libby prison still stands with 

Richmond, va., burning ruins on all sidcs. It is 

Union Account. ^ow filled with Rebel soldiers. 

The roof of Libby is black with 

Confederate soldiers, over whom proudly floats that 

greatest of all flags, the Star Spangled Banner. 

Castle Thunder also remains as she did when thou- 
sands of our boys were confined there, excepting the 
contents now are clothed in grey instead of blue. 

General Weitzel learned at three o'clock this morn- 
ing that Richmond was being evacuated, and at day- 



122 THE I.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

light moved forward, first taking care to give his men 
breakfast in the expectation that they might have to 
fight. He met no opposition, and on entering the city 
was greeted with a hearty welcome from the mass of 
the people. The Mayor went out to meet him and to 
surrender the city, but missed him on the road. Gen- 
eral Weitzel finds much suffering and poverty among 
the population. The rich as well as the poor are desti- 
tute of food. He is about to issue supplies to all who 
take the oath. The inhabitants now number about 
twenty thousand, half of them of i\frican descent. It is 
not true that Jeff Davis sold his furniture before leav- 
ing. It is all in his house. He left at seven o'clock 
last evening by the Danville Railroad. All the mem- 
bers of Congress escaped. Hunter has gone home. 
Caron Smith (?) went with the army. Judge Campbell 
remains in Richmond. General Weitzel took one thou- 
sand prisoners, besides the wounded. These number 
five thousand in nine hospitals. He captured cannon 
to the number of at least five hundred pieces. Five 
thousand muskets have been found in one lot. Thirty 
locomotives and three hundred cars were found. The 
Petersburg Railroad bridoe is totally destroyed, that of 
the Danville road partially, so that connection with 
Petersburg cannot easily be made. All the Rebel ves- 
sels are destroyed except an unfinished ram, which has 
her machinery in her perfect. The Tredegar Works 
are unharmed. Most of the editors have fled — 
especially John Mitchell. 



The origin of the great fire here 
Aprirr'i'seV ^^^ occasioned by the Rebels 

Union Account". firing a number of the Confed- 

erate storehouses, containing to- 
bacco, and other stores, which they were unable to 
remove before the evacuation of the city, owing to the 
confusion existing in all quarters. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 123 

No trustworthy estimate can be formed of the 
amount of property destroyed. The Court House 
and all the bridges over the James River leading into 
Manchester were burnt. 

The Dispatch and Examiner newspaper offices are 
also in ruins, and the streets in the vicinity of the fire 
are littered with the debris of household furniture, &c. 

Private and public papers and documents are scat- 
tered over the streets, subject to the winds and the ra- 
pacity of the pickaninnies who in innumerable swarms 
— in danger of falling walls — were diving with their 
little black hands into every place that suggested a re- 
ward for their pains 

The colored people were extremely enthusiastic over 
our arrival and greeted us with the heartiest welcome 
in a characteristic manner, and "De Lord bless the 
Yankees" was heard on every side. 

The whites thus far have treated us with great cor- 
diality, and on our first entry into the city cheered us 
vociferously. A few of the loud-mouthed and hasty 
"Rebs" got themselves into trouble by a too free use 
of their tongues, and they speedily found themselves 
confined to close quarters in a room in the building 
occupied by the Provost- Marshal. 

General Weitzel has taken for his private residence 
the mansion of Jeff. Davis. A portion of his staff are 
quartered with him, and the remainder in a splendid 
dwelling a few doors below. 

The interior of Davis's house presented the appear- 
ance of having been very hastily evacuated by him. 
Everything is in fine order and good repair. Many of 
Mrs. Davis's little nicknacks and ornaments are yet to 
be found on the mantels and bureaus of her room. 

The number of guns captured in the works around 
the city are roughly estimated at about three hundred. 
They were all spiked, but otherwise left uninjured. 

The powder magazine in Fort Darling, and the 
Rebel rams in the James River below were blown up 



124 'I'HE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

with a terrific noise. The shock was distinctly felt 
for miles around. 

All the steamers at the wharves — with the excep- 
tion of the William Allison, Rebel flag-of-trnce steamer 
— were destroyed, together with a new ironclad upon 
the stocks. 

The yard around the State Capitol is literally covered 
with the household utensils of the burned out families. 
The Capitol itself has not been injured. 

The residents here firmly believe that the Rebellion 
has received its death-blow, and are rejoicing over 
their release from the tyranny of Jefferson Davis. 

Our soldiers have conducted themselves in a becom- 
ing manner, much to the astonishment of the people, 
who expected that vengence would be visited upon 
them. 



The Jubilee in Wall street was 
New York, onQ of the most extraordinary 

April 3,1865. demonstrations that the city has 

ever witnessed. Its spontaneity 
its vigor, and its overwhelming enthusiasm were be- 
yond all precedent. It sprang from accident. Clusters 
of eager citizens gathered toward noon near the Cus- 
tom House to exchange congratulations and to spread 
the glowing intelligence that came in with equal 
rapidity and profusion. It was not long before all were 
united in one vast and harmonious assemblage, for the 
expression of whose exuberant feeling some direct and 
effective method seemed necessary. Loud calls were 
made for a number of prominent gentlemen who were 
seen mingling with the crowd, or standing upon the 
steps of the Custom House. Without preparation, 
without organization of any kind, a "meeting" was 
formed. Spirited and energetic addresses were off'ered 
by Moses F. Odell, General Butterfield, Senator 
Andrews, Wm. M. Evarts, Simon Draper, Prosper M. 



THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 1 25 

Wetmore, S. B. Chittenden and George Francis Train. 
By one o'clock the multitude had swelled to such pro- 
portions as to completely block all the thoroughfares in 
the neighborhood. Business was suspended, not by 
formal prearrangement, but through natural and 
irresistible sympathy with the joyous sentiment ot the 
hour. The scene was most inspiring. Wall street, the 
center of craft and trade and rigid commerce, turned 
from its busy purposes to the heartiest, fullest, most 
genuine thanksgiving that our victories have called 
forth. There has been nothing like it. At times the 
masses, unwilling to confine their happy utterances to 
cheers and outcries, broke into exultant songs, and 
made the coin-vaults ring with choruses like "Glory, 
Hallelujah," and "Rally Round the Flag," Nor was 
the more serious meaning of the day forgotten. With 
uncovered heads the people joined, fervently and earn- 
estly, in the anthem of "Old Hundred." Voices long 
unaccustomed to melodious uses lent power and pathos 
to that chant. It is difficult to describe the strange 
and touching effect which it produced. The sudden- 
ness of the gathering ; the time — most absorbing of the 
financial day ; the place — devoted to cold commercial 
fact, and never yet suspected as the shrine of warm 
human feeling ; the union of the best and most honored 
of our citizens in the demonstration ; and the dignity of 
sentiment which was everywhere manifested, combined 
to make the event more impressive, and more memora- 
ble than any of the kind that we can call to mind since 
the opening of the war. It was thrillingly dramatic, 
not only as a broad picture of popular faith, devotion 
and energy, but even in the little incidents with which 
it was crowded. An example will show: One of the 
speakers, Mr. Train, called attention to the significant 
and afironting fact that while the Nation's flag was 
everywhere else gaily flying, the house of August Bel- 
mont, directly opposite, was like a house of mourning, 
without an indication of life or action. In less than 



126 THE LAS'T FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

five minutes, a flag appeared at the lower window — a 
very little flag, and excessively new, with the air of 
very recent purchase all about it, but equal to its duty, 
and as vehemently welcomed as the biggest of its fel- 
lows. And, furthermore, in less than half an hour, 
laborers were seen upon the roof, preparing to spread 
yet another flag, equally new and considerably larger, 
from the long-neglected staff. The ropes were tangled 
and were broken, and new ones had to be supplied. 
The simple process of flag-hoisting seemed to have 
been so long dormant there as to present unusual 
embarrassments. But at last the work was done, and 
the banner rose. It shivered a little at first, as a timid 
stranger in a hostile society might do, but presently 
asserted itself with all the boldness and breadth, and 
flapped exhilarating responses to the cheers of the mul- 
titude. This was the culminating incident of the 
meeting. Popular enthusiasm felt that it had the right 
there to expend itself. The force of justice and retri- 
bution could no further go. 



The news of the fall of Rich- 

washington, D. c, moud cauic upou the Capital 

April 3, 1865. shortly after breakfast, and while 

all were awaiting oflicial bulle- 
tins that should announce the renewals of the fight- 
ing. It ran from mouth to mouth and from street 
to street, till within ten minutes the whole town was 
out, and for a wonder Washington was in a state of 
genuine old-fashioned excitement such as it has not 
experienced since the memorable second Bull Run 
battle. 

The Treasury Department first caught the infec- 
tion. General Spinner heard the good news, got out 
the drummers of the Treasury Guard Regiment, and 
in a moment had the whole force, nearly two thou- 
sand strong, men and women, cheering until the 



l^HE hAS't I^OUR WEEKS OE 'THE WAR. 127 

roof seemed in danger. Meanwhile the War Depart- 
ment clerks got waked up, and some of them ap- 
plied to Secretary Stanton to be excused from duty. 
His reply was characteristic. ^^// the clerks donH know 
enough to take a holiday for themselves on such an occa- 
sion as this^ I pity them!''' 

The Interior Department clerks heard the news 
almost simultaneously and all rushed into the long 
corridors that run along the building, raised a cheer 
that roused that whole section of the town. The Com- 
missioner of Pensions was first called out and made a 
few remarks; next the Secretary, then the Commis- 
sioners of Patents and of the Land Office, and the 
whole body of clerks united in singing "Rally Round 
the Flag, Boys." By this time the streets were 
thronged with clerks, citizens and strangers crowding to 
the War Department. Mr. Stanton was called out and 
made a few happy remarks, after which the crowd sang 
"Rally Round the Flag," and cheered till they were 
hoarse. 

Presently Mr. Stanton appeared again at an upper 
window, and after prolonged efforts obtained a cessa- 
tion of the shouts while he read Weitzel's dispatch 
announcing the occupation of Richmond. After each 
sentence the cheers burst out afresh, utterly irrepres- 
sible. The sentence saying: "The enemy left in great 
haste," was greeted with tumultuous and derisive 
laughter, and that saying Richmond was on fire, with 
cheers louder than ever before. When it was said that 
efforts were being made to put it out, they cried, "Let 
it burn! let it burn!" but when a moment afterward the 
enthusiasm of the inhabitants at the entrance of our 
troops was mentioned they burst out again, "All right, 
put it out! put it out!" 



128 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

The ringing of the alarm bells 

Philadelphia, Pa.. caused a grand turn out of all 

April 3, 1865. the firemen, who congregated 

in front of Independence Hall 

with their fire engines under steam. After prolonged 

cheering they formed an impromptu procession, and 

with bells ringing and steam whistles screaming in 

full blast, they passed through Third street, making an 

uproar of rejoicing such as was never heard here before. 

The firemen's procession was about an hour in pass- 
ing the American Telegraph building. One company 
had a gun from which they were firing salutes, as they 
passed along. 

A grand salute is now thundering from the roof of 
The Bulletin building. 

The scene in the vicinity of Third street to-night 
is one of great brilliancy and intense excitement. 
The offices of The Ledger, Inquirer, Press, Evening 
Bulletin, Telegraph, Sunday Dispatch and Transcript 
are illuminated. Chestnut street is crowded with en- 
thusiastic spectators. Fire companies are running their 
glittering carriages through the streets, and most of 
their houses and many private residences are illumi- 
nated. The general rejoicing is at its height. 



Bells are pealing, salutes firing, 
Boston, Mass., and flags flying everywhere, and 

April 3, 1865. Qur citizcus are in the highest 

state of jubilee over the fall of 

Richmond. 



Selma, Alabama, was attacked 
Seima, Ala., ^y |-]^g eucmy, uiuc thousand 

April 3, 1865. / o j a -i n^i 

Confederate Account. Strong, Sunday, April 2. They 
drove our forces from the in- 
trenchments and turned our left flank on that evening. 
Our loss in prisoners is very large. The city was cap- 
tured by the Yankees. 



THK LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 129 

The cavalry under Sheridan 

Grant's Army, made an important capture of 

ApHrrisek. prisoners, guns and wagons. It 

Union Account. appears that Lee's army was 

moving as rapidly west as his 

limited transportation and the demoralized condition of 

his troops would permit, on the road between Amelia 

Court House and Jetersville. 

The cavalry having gained possession of the Dan- 
ville Railroad some time previous, were not long in 
discovering his whereabouts. The Fifth Corps being 
well up in support, and having built intrenchments, 
preparations for an attack were soon made. 

The country here is very uneven, with woods and 
deep ravines, making it extremely difficult for cavalry 
to operate to any advantage. 

The Second Division, under General Davies, was 
principally engaged, and the gallant manner in which 
they charged and drove the enemy is highly spoken 
of by those who witnessed it. 

But the Rebel infantry came up to the support of 
their cavalry, forming in the woods and attacking under 
cover. 

Our men were, therefore, forced back on the infantry, 
but not until one thousand prisoners, six guns, a mile 
of wagon-trains, together with the drivers, were in pos- 
session of the brave Second Division. 

Five of the guns were new and of the Armstrong 
pattern, said to have been a present from the English 
Government to the Confederacy, and had not yet been 
used. They are beautiful specimens of manufacture. 

The wagons, about two hundred in number, were 
mostly empty and were burnt after the mules had been 
cut loose and brought in. Along with the train was a 
wagon belonging to General Fitzhugh Lee, containing 
his baggage, &c. 

In this engagement, Sheridan took three hundred 
prisoners, among whom was General Bragg's chief of 



130 Tnn LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

artillery. The flag of the Artillery Headquarters of 
Northern Virginia, with many other trophies, was also 
captured. 

The prisoners taken the past three days foot up fif- 
teen hundred, including a number of officers. 



To the Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, 

C'*y.P°'"*'gVa-' Secretary of War : This morn- 

9:30 O'clock a. m. ing Lieuteueut General Grant 

reports Petersburg evacuated, 

and he is confident that Richmond also is evacuated. 

He is pushing forward to cut ofi", if possible, the 
retreating Rebel army. 

A. Lincoln. 



Second Dispatch. 



To Maior General Dix: I^ 

secona uispaicn. -'p t , , -. ^ 
War Department, appears from a dispatch of Gen- 
Washington, D. c, eral Weitzel's, just received by 
in^ni'M^^^' this Department, that our forces 

10 clock a. m. ^ ^\ ^ -7-17 

under his command are in Ktch- 
mond^ having taken it at a quarter past eight o'clock 
this morning. 

Edwin M. Stanton, 
Secretary of War. 



__ „. To Major General Dix: The 

Third Dispatch. - -, . -^ ^^ . , ^ . ~ 

War Department, following omcial counrmatiou 01 

Washington, D. c, the Capture of Richmond, and 

i^'^'cfock^Noon. the announcement that the city 

is on fire, has been received. 
E. M. Stanton, 
Secretary of War. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 



131 



To Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary 
of War : General Weitzel tele- 
graphs as follows : 

''We took Richmond at a quar- 
ter past eight o'clock this morn- 
ing. I captured many guns. The enemy left in great 
haste. The city is on fire in one place. Am making 
every effort to put it out. 



Fourth Dispatch. 

City Point, Va., 

April 3, 1865. 

1 1 O'clock a^ m. 



"The people receive us with enthusiastic expressions 
of joy. 

"General Grant started early this morning with the 
army toward the Danville road, to cut off Lee's retreat- 
ing army, if possible. 

"President lyincoln has gone to the front." 

T. S. Bowers, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



Petersburg, Va., 
April 3, 1865. 
Union Account. 



The United States colored 
troops are this morning march- 
ing through the streets sing- 
ing : 



Say, darkeys, hab you seen de massa 

Wid de muffstash on his face. 
Go along de road some time dis mornin' 

Like he gwine to leab de place? 
He seen a smoke way up de ribber, 

Whar de Linkum gunboats lay. 
He took his hat an' lef berry sudden, 
An' I spec' he's run away! 
De massa run, ha! ha! 

De darkey stay, ho! ho! 
It must be now de kingdom comin', 
An' de yar ob Jubilo. 



132 'I'HE tASl" I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

He six foot one way, two foot tudder, 
An' he weigh free hundred pound, 
His coat so big, he couldn't pay de tailor, 

An' it won't go halfway round. 
He drill so much, dey call him Cap'an, 

An' he get so drefful tanned! 
I spec' he try an' fool dem Yankees, 
For to tink he's contraband. 
De massa run, ha! ha! 

De darkey stay, ho! ho! 
It must be now de kingdom comin', 
An' de yar ob Jubilo. 

De darkeys feel so berry lonesome, 

Libing in de log house on de lawn, 
Dey move dar tings to massa's parlor. 

For to keep it while he's gone. 
Dar's wine an' cider in de kitchen. 
An' de darkeys dey'll hab some ; 
I spose dey'U all be cornfiscated, 
When de Linkuin sojers come. 
De massa run, ha! ha! 

De darkey stay, ho! ho! 
It must be now de kingdom comin', 
An' de yar ob Jubilo. 

De oberseer he make us trouble. 
An' he dribe us round a spell. 
We lock him up in de smoke-house celler, 

Wid de key trown in de well. 
De whip is lost, de han'-cuff broken, 

But de massa'll hab his pay, 
He's ole enuff, big enuft", ought to know better 
Dan to went an' run away. 
De massa run, ha! ha! 

De darkey stay, ho! ho! 
It must be now de kingdom comin' 
An' de yar ob Jubilo. 



Selma, Ala 
Aprils, 1865 



General Wilson's cavalry column 
has taken possession of this city, 
unbn Account. In doing SO he captured large 

quantities of artillery, machinery, 
&c., &c. 



THE IvAvST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 133 

^'At half past eleven o'clock 
Richmond, Va., yesterday morning^, while seated 

April 3, 1865. • 1 • ^1 1, v ^ • 4. 

Union Account. ^ his pcw at chiirch listening to 

the lucubrations of the Reverend 
Doctor Hoge, JefF. Davis was handed a dispatch from 
General Lee. Thereupon he instantly arose, and 
walked hurriedly down the aisle, beneath the question- 
ings of all the eyes in the house. The dispatch was to 
the effect that Richmond must be evacuated during the 
coming night. And so his ex-Bxcellency, the late 
President of the late Confederacy, went forth from the 
sanctuary where prophesied the favorite high priest of 
his realm to pack up his "portable property," in hasty 
preparation for a journey on the Sabbath day. Like a 
thief in the night, he stole away with trepidation and 
fear, and with an agonizing sense of the shortness of 
time. 

As the preacher closed the services the colored sex- 
ton handed him a note from his ex-Excellency. The 
face of the preacher waxed sickly with despair, while 
that of the sexton glowed with joy too great for conceal- 
ment. The chagrin of the one was quite as marked as 
the grin of the other. The former begged his congre- 
gation to tarry, and told them in sad utterances that he 
did not expect to minister to them any more. His 
farewell over, he too proceeded furiously to the pack- 
ing of "portable property" — he also intended to journey 
on the Sabbath. This Doctor Hoge, it will be remem- 
bered, visited England two years ago, ostensibly to pro- 
cure a supply of Bibles, but really as an emissary of 
the Rebellion. He was largely feted by the British 
adherents of the South, and doubtless did much harm. 
Since his return he has been in the habit of making 
camp speeches, full of hot unction and perorated with 
presumptions appeals to the God of battles. A pro- 
slavery fanatic of considerable ability, he has been pet- 
ted and used by Davis, whose own enormous cunning 



134 I'HE I.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

and wickedness have nothing of the element of fanati- 
cism. The two worthies fled together. Requie-scat ! " 



When Grant began the move- 
Richmond, va., ment on Petersbure: last night 

April 3, 1865. ^ , ^^j ., . i r. • ^ 

Union Account. General Weitzel was left m com- 

mand of our line north of the 
river, with two divisions of his own corps — the Twenty- 
fifth Colored, and General Devins's Division, the Third 
of the Twenty-fourth Corps. At three thirty this morn- 
ing, Captain Bruce, of Devin's staff, being in charge of 
the picket line, visited the out-posts, and his suspicions 
for some reason aroused, he sent three men to recon- 
noiter. They penetrated the Rebel line and reported 
no enemy. These three, like the three children of 
Israel dispatched by Moses, spied out the land of 
Canaan. At once advancing his whole picket line by 
skirmishers, and opportunely falling in with a deserter 
by whom he was piloted, he, himself, first passed 
through. The deserter pointed out a tortuous path 
through three lines of chevaiix de friese which had 
been used for egress and ingress of their picket reliefs, 
and was, unlike the rest of the line, free from thickly- 
planted torpedoes. Ordering his men to deploy widely 
and continue to advance, Captain Bruce rode rapidly to 
General Devins, who instantly telegraphed the facts to 
Weitzel. That energetic officer by daylight was ad- 
vancing his entire force. By that hour a series of 
heavy explosions, and the smoke and flames of Rich- 
mond burning, put the fact of the evacuation beyond 
question. Major Stevens, of Weitzel's staff, Lieutenant 
W. J. Ladd, of Devins's, and Major Brooks, of the 
Eighth Vermont, were the first in the city — by virtue 
of the excellence of their horses. Within that hour 
Weitzel, Devins, Ripley, Shepley, and other Generals, 
had come up; the heads of their columns were push- 
ing up parallel streets, and all the prpminent points 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 135 

were in our possession. It is said to have been a 
jolly sight, the colored troops marching in great rap- 
ture with long strides and ecstatic shouts, their wel- 
come by their brethren in the city, who, men and 
women and pickaninnies, embraced them, ran by their 
sides, cried and laughed, and, in their own extrava- 
gant way, thanked the Lord and took courage. 

When we entered, the city had been burning three 
hours. To prevent large quantities of tobacco and 
other stores from falling into our hands, on the direct 
order of Breckinridge, millions of private property was 
subjected to the flames, and one of the fairest cities on 
the continent ruined. Indeed, it is said that Breckin- 
ridge, in person, superintended the great arson, and 
only left by the last train twenty minutes before we 
came in. 

That the entire city was not destroyed is due en- 
tirely to the Union army. The first order issued was 
for every exertion to be used to stay the conflagra- 
tion, while regiment after regiment, without orders 
other than from their own officers, stacked arms, piled 
knapsacks, and lent willing and tireless energies to 
save the property of their enemies. Whole squares 
were tumbling and smoldering to ruin, and when the 
flames were extinguished, the debris and the smoke, 
the crumbling walls and the tottering chimneys of a 
thousand structures, many of them costly, all of them 
valuable, testified to the relentless cruelty of the Rebel 
authorities — unpitying even to their friends and their 
dupes. Included in the destruction are the large mills 
and warehouses on the river, and the entire business 
part of the town. 

Passing up Main street, at the left were the crumb- 
ling walls and tottering chimneys, and the smoke still 
rising from the debris of the great fire. At the right, 
the sidewalk covered with negroes and poverty-stricken 
whites, timid women peering from the windows, or 
bolder ones in untidy garb standing in the doorways, 



136 THE I.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

or the doors were closed and the blinds shut — the deni- 
zens gone or hiding within. 

About nine o'clock this morning, terriffic shell ex- 
plosions, rapid and continuous, added to the terror of 
the scene, and led to the impression that the city was 
being shelled by the retreating Confederate army from 
the Southside ; but the explosions were soon ascertained 
to proceed from the Government arsenal and labora- 
tory, then in flames. 

The Custon House, late Confederate Treasury, passed 
through the ordeal of fire unscathed, from the fact that 
the edifice is of granite and fire-proof. The Bank of 
the Commonwealth presents a granite front, but is a 
mere shell, as also is the Bank of Virginia. At one 
time during this morning the Spottswood Hotel was in 
great danger, the flames leaping toward its location 
with great rapidity ; but a merciful Providence caused 
a lull in the breeze, and blew the flames out of their 
track. 

One of the pillaging soldiers engaged in robbing the 
stores on Main street, was shot from the inside by the 
proprietor, while he was knocking in the show-glass. 
A charge of buckshot entered his stomach, and it is 
believed he died in a short time, but we could not learn 
what became of his body. 

At the Government clothing store, corner of Cary 
and Pearl streets, a man, while pillaging clothing, fell 
through the hatchway and broke his neck. 

While hundreds of families have been rendered home- 
less and houseless by the conflagration, a great many 
persons who live in sections spared by the flames have 
accumulated small fortunes by rescuing large quantities 
of goods from the burning buildings. Clothing, shoes, 
dry goods of every description, were saved in large 
quantities, and are now stored away in the houses of 
those who saved them. Part restitution would be 
the proper thing in cases where the owners are known. 

Confederate bonds, Confederate notes, bank checks, 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 137 

bills, flecked and whitened the streets in every direction 
— all so worthless that the boys would not pick 
them up. 

The scene at the commissary depot, at the head of the 
dock, beggared description. Hundreds of Government 
wagons were loaded with bacon, flour and whisky, and 
driven off in hot haste to join the retreating army. 
Negroes with their peculiar "heave oh ! " sweated and 
worked like beavers ; but the immense piles of stores 
did not seem to diminish in the least. Thronged about 
the depot were hundreds of men, women and children, 
black and white, provided with capacious bags, baskets, 
tubs, buckets, tin pans and aprons, cursing, pushing and 
crowding, awaiting the throwing open of the doors, and 
the order for each to help himself. When the Govern- 
ment wagons had gotten off all the stores possible, it 
was found that several hundred barrels of whisky 
remained in the upper story. 

One after another, in hasty procession, the barrels 
were rolled to the hatchway, the heads knocked out, 
and a miniature whisky Niagara poured continuously 
down, pouring into the dock in a current almost strong 
enough to have swept a man off his feet. Between two 
and three hundred barrels were thus poured out — a big 
drink to the finny inhabitants of the river. 

The doors were opened to the populace, and a rush, 
that almost seemed to carry the building off its founda- 
tions, was made, and hundreds of thousands of pounds 
of splendid bacon, flour, &c., went into the capacious 
maw of the public. 

And here we may remark that while the Confederate 
Government was making such a poor mouth over the 
reported failure of supplies — while the people were 
being starved that the army might be fed, this immense 
storehouse was bursting with fullness and plenty to 
come finally to utter wreck and waste. 

During the night, stragglers from the retreating army 
inaugurated a reign of terror and pillage. Jewelry, 



138 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 



clothing and liquor stores, and a few private houses, 
were sacked. The fire revealed immense amounts of 
provisions — whether the accumulations of the Govern- 
ment or of speculators does not appear, although citi- 
zens say the latter. Thousands immediately engaged 
in the scarcely reprehensible work of removing to their 
houses family supplies. "The niggers got it all," said 
a leading citizen, with a wrath he made little attempt 
to conceal. 



To the celerity of our movement 
Petersburg, Va., this momiug and to the military 

April 3, 1865. skill displayed in the maneuver- 

ing of the troops, we may con- 
fidently attribute the results of this the last campaign 
in Virginia. There was none of the old-time Antietam 
and Gettysburg halting after the retreat of Lee became 
known; no council of war was held to determine the 
propriety of following up the demoralized foe; but right 
onward and alongside of the flying foe our columns 
were pushed and maneuvered with a celerity and skill 
which has astonished the world. 

But a small portion of our army was gratified with 
an interior view of Petersburg. On ascertaining the 
line of the enemy's retreat, and discovering that he 
was rapidly moving westward toward the Danville road, 
our several columns were pushed as swiftly towards 
Burkesville for the purpose of intercepting him. Sheri- 
dan with his cavalry, the Fifth, and two divisions of the 
Second Corps, formed our left column, while the re- 
mainder of the troops moved along the south side of the 
Appomattox, by what is known as the River road, to 
Sutherland's Station, near which the whole army are in 
bivouac to-night, having as yet encountered no opposi- 
tion. 

Petersburg was occupied by the blue coats at three 
o'clock this morning. For the first time since the begin- 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 1 39 

ing of the war have the Stars and Stripes been allowed 
to corne in without a protest. We are here and propose 
to stay here, and propose also to plant our proud ban- 
ner in every city in the Southern States before we get 
through. 



It is hard to realize the fact that 
Richmond, Va., the oucc sfrcat clastic spinal col- 

April 3, 1865. r- ^iT ^ r 1 

Union Account. umu of the most powcrful Com- 

bination in arms against the 
Union has been broken and crushed, and that Lee, 
with his ragged, disheartened and disorganized forces, 
is flying from our advancing columns, which are rapid- 
ly bearing down upon him to complete the work now 
so nearly finished. And yet, to-day, from many a dizzy 
height, our flag floats in the bright sunlight over Rich- 
mond and Petersburg ; the long lines of earthworks 
around those cities, a few days ago, bristling with guns 
and seemingly so impregnable, are silent and tenantless 
now ; our advance is marching on, and to-day the 
streets of Richmond and Petersburg are trod by the 
soldiers of the Union, and, mark it, by men in uniform 
whose skin nature made dark — men whom the 
boasted chivalry of the South call slaves^ whose toil re- 
ceives only the remuneration of the lash, but who are 
men nevertheless, and who have made valid their claim 
to the title by their deeds. 



This morning at daybreak the 
Petersburg Va Federal troops were all astir; 

April 3, 1865, ^ . ^ , . , ' 

Union Account. kuapsacks wcrc bemg slimg, 

blankets rolled, and every 
preparation made for an immediate advance. Portions 
of our troops had occupied the town two hours before, 
but the majority were denied the enviable pleasure of 
breakfasting in the Cockade City. A general fusilade 



140 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

was sounding all along our whole line, and, as if it were 
impossible to indulge sufficiently in other noisy demon- 
strations, muskets were emptied of their charges to add 
to the universal din. Bands were playing "Hail 
Columbia," "Yankee Doodle," "Kingdom Comin'," 
"We'll all Drink Stone Blind," "Lanigan's Ball," 
polkas, waltzes, in fact almost everything of a patriotic 
or an enlivening character. It seemed as if Orpheus 
himself had gone mad, and was trying to render from 
all of his creations of lighter music a grand, triumphant 
and Heaven-swelling chorus in honor of the occasion. 
Amid this torrent of mellifluous sounds arose from one 
of the bands that grand old refrain, 

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, 
Praise Him ye people hear below ;" 

indicating that some, at least, believed it but just and 
proper to blend thanksgiving with the general jubila- 
tion. And thus did the noble old Army of the Poto- 
mac and its brethren from above the James celebrate 
the victory won by their long years of persevering toil. 
But few evidences were discovered, on entering 
the town, of great destruction of life on the Rebel side. 
They had removed their dead and wounded, to hide 
from the eye of our victorious army the full extent ot 
their disaster. Along the Boydtown road leading to 
Petersburg was noticed but one poor fellow sacrificed 
to the devilish ambition of his implacable masters, Davis 
and Ivce. He was dead ; but the dark, swarthy counte- 
nance almost led one to believe, until he touched his 
cold and pulseless hand, that life still lingered in his 
emaciated, half-clad body. He lay in a ditch or gully 
along the highway, with the water from a pure, peren- 
nial spring above trickling musically beneath him ; his 
blanket was neatly rolled and slung across his shoulder ; 
his head was resting upon his arm as if in repose, but 
the death-glaze upon his eyes told that he slept the 
sleep that knows no waking. A hideous orifice in the 
side of the head, surrounded by clotted gore, showed 



THE lyAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 141 

where a fragment of shell had saved him from living to 
see the overwhelming shame and disgrace which awaits 
the deluded followers of his former leaders. 

The city presents the appearance usually noticeable 
in every Rebel town falling into our possession. Doors 
were closed and window blinds shut ; but, if I mistake 
not, I saw many a curious eye intently peering into the 
street. True, the number of contrabands of all ages 
and sizes congregated on street corners was legion, and 
of ancient and crippled whites not a few ; but the fairer 
sex kept close within doors, disdaining to exhibit their 
peerless charms to our men in blue. Well, the Union 
boys took it philosophically enough, seeming to care 
but little for Confederate calico or linsey, and went 
marching along as if only intent on the capture or dis- 
persion of Lee's defeated army. 

The eastern portion of the town exhibits on every 
side marks of the solid shot and shell thrown by our 
guns during last summer. The buildings in Boling- 
broke street, which run nearly east and west, are 
literally perforated in every part. Chimneys have 
been razeed on every building, windows knocked and 
splintered to pieces, brick walls crumbled and torn, 
porches carried away — ruin and desolation reign su- 
preme. Almost every house is deserted in this street, 
but in the center and other portions of the city but lit- 
tle damage seems to have been done by our fire. 

A singular rumor was in circulation this noon to the 
effect that a party of Johnnies still held a certain fort 
on the line south of the city; that they refused to surren- 
der, and that our forces there had deemed it most 
judicious to starve them out without shedding the 
blood always attending an assault. Reports of cannon 
were occasionally heard during the afternoon in that 
direction, which seemed to give an air of trustworthi- 
ness to the strange rumor; but, nevertheless, no one 
attached sufficient importance to the story to investi- 
gate it. It was explained to-night and proved to have 



142 THE LAST EOUR WEEK5 OF THE WAR. 



originated in the explosion of shells lying around the 
works by some of our stragglers, who were strolling 
about outside the city, and who fired them by means 
of trains for their own amusement. 



From midnight Saturday to Sun- 

in Petersburg va., ^^y mornine: a furious cannon- 

April 3, 1865. ^. ^ . , - , 

Union Account. adiug, accompanicQ by sharp 

skirmishing, was kept up from 
the Rebel works in front of the Sixth and Ninth Corps. 
The enemy had probably discovered our plan, and 
were endeavoring to thwart our intentions. Their 
efforts were in vain, however, for before daybreak the 
Sixth Corps, in compliance with orders, were massing 
between Forts Fisher and Welch, regardless of the storm 
of shot and shell, for the final charge. In massing, 
more were killed and wounded by the fire of the enemy 
than in the assault which followed, as the rapidity 
with which the advance was made soon placed our men 
where the missiles of the Rebels whistled and howled 
harmlessly over their heads. 

Just before daybreak in the morning the Sixth Corps 
moved on the enemy's works as follows: In this ad- 
vance the division of General Getty formed in two 
lines, supported on the right and left respectively by 
the divisions of Wheaton and Seymour, formed in 
echelon of brigades, moving left in front to facilitate a 
flank attack upon the enemy's forts. The advance of 
the Sixth Corps, in which General Ord's command co- 
operated, was one of the grandest military spectacles 
ever witnessed on the battlefield. A bright wall of 
bayonets firmly grasped by masses of determined men, 
undaunted by the death-dealing fire from the enemy's 
forts, which were actually obscured by the volumes of 
smoke which were vomited forth by a hundred cannon, 
was a sight, once seen, never to be forgotten. Moving 
through this murderous fire to the attack, with a line 



"THK LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 1 43 

of white smoke piifFs telling where the shells of the 
enemy were bursting, the charging columns still ad- 
vanced and were soon under the guns of the Rebels, 
who now almost ceased their fire of artillery and 
opened with musketry. But the doom of the Rebels 
was sealed; from all sides our columns were bearing 
down upon them. Two unsuccessful assaults were made 
to capture the enemy's forts, when the First Division 
was formed in front with the Second, and a third 
charge essayed which proved more successful; Fort 
Gregg (in which fell the Rebel General A. P. Hill, 
pierced by three bullets), Battery Forty, and the whole 
line in front of the Sixth and Twenty-fourth Corps fall- 
ing into our hands. In carrying the works the Third 
Division of the Sixth Corps formed to assault the 
enemy's works on their left flank, taking them without 
any considerable opposition. 

At eleven o'clock the engagement ceased, and the 
Southside Railroad within three miles of the town was 
in our possession. The operations of the Ninth Corps, 
although gratifying, were not equally successful with 
those of the Sixth and Twenty-fourth. The active 
participants in the assault of the Ninth Corps were 
Harriman's Brigade of Wilcox's Division and the divi- 
sions of Generals Potter and Hartranft. The main 
attack was to be made by the two divisions last named, 
supported on their right by Harriman's Brigade upon 
the earthworks in front of Forts Hell and Rice, the 
most formidable of which was Fort Mahone confronting 
Fort Hell. 

Now every one has heard of Fort Hell — has read of 
the fierce artillery duels which have occurred between 
it and its antagonist, Fort Mahone, during the winter. 
It was this same Fort Mahone, with its labyrinth of 
moats and abatis, that was assaulted by the left of the 
Ninth Corps on Sunday morning, and which ultimately 
fell in our possession after fighting of the most desper- 
ate character. At an early hour Wilcox, in obedience 



144 'I'HE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

to orders, had made a strong demonstration in front of 
his position on the Appomattox, while on the left Pot- 
ter and Hartranft had at the same time charged, carried 
and held Fort Mahone and two other earthworks on its 
left against the repeated attempts of the enemy to 
repossess it. 

At Fort Mahone, the struggle was longer and more 
determined on both sides. Carried at about eight 
o'clock in the morning, it was found necessary to aban- 
don its northern face as the enemy had, on being 
driven out of it, retired a short distance to the rear or 
inner work, from which they swept with cannon-shot 
and musketry the locality mentioned. The main part, 
however, was still in our possession. At about eleven 
o'clock in the morning the enemy made a most furious 
sortie to retake it, and for a time our chances of retain- 
ing it seemed dubious. The enemy assaulted in over- 
whelming numbers, and it was plainly evident had 
received re-enforcements. Fortunately a portion of the 
Sixth Corps and the provisional Brigade, under the com- 
mand of Brigadier General C. H. T. CoUis, arrived in 
the nick of time, and, again charging the enemy, they 
were again driven from the fort, which he made no 
further attempt to reoccupy during the day. 

Previously the Second Corps had carried the works 
in its front with but trifling opposition, and was wheel- 
ing to the north to co-operate in the attack of the Sixth, 
Ninth and Twenty-fourth Corps. It was too late, how- 
ever, to participate in the glories of the assault, arriving 
up the Boydtown road in the afternoon, when the 
enemy had retired into his inner defenses near the city. 
The Division of General Miles had been sent to the left 
to join Sheridan in the morning, and having heard no 
intelligence from it, the command of General Mott was 
sent to join it. 

Sheridan was somewhere on the left with the Fifth 
Corps endeavoring to intercept the retreat of the Rebel 
forces, cut off from Petersburg by the advance of the 



THE LAST FOUR WKKKS OF THE WAR. 145 

Sixth and Twenty-fourth Corps. Our line was within 
a mile and a half of the city, and our left rested west of 
it, on the Appomattox. 

The headquarters of Generals Grant and Meade at 
night were established at the Ritchie House, on the 
Boydtown road, three miles from the town, and within 
easy shelling range of the enemy's batteries. But the 
enemy was content to rest quietly in his works, send- 
ing over a shell occasionally to remind us that he 
was still there. The battle ended at about eleven 
o'clock in the morning. From noon until nightfall the 
enemy exhibited unusual inactivity, and many began 
making inquiries as to what it boded. Some, with 
a wise look, believed that Lee was only maneuvering, 
in order to attack us in some unexpected quarter. 
Everyone said, "This lull means something!" Most 
assuredly it did mean something, and that something 
the retreat of the major part of Lee's forces across the 
river north of the town. All the afternoon three or 
four dense columns of smoke were seen ascending from 
the city, and it was evident that extensive fires were 
raging. 

At dusk a pontoon train, under the guidance of 
Major Paine, of the Topographical Engineers, at Gen- 
eral Meade's headquarters, was sent out to span the 
Appomattox for the crossing of troops to the west and 
northwest of the city during the night, from which the 
inference may reasonably be drawn that Grant knew 
of the retreat of Lee, or that not aware of it, he was 
drawing a circle about them from which it would be 
impossible to escape. At any rate the city was vir- 
tually in our possession, and should Lee fail in all of 
his assaults to break our lines, the retreat of his army 
would inevitably follow. And then arose the question, 
"Where will he go?" Officers high in authority said 
to Richmond, and on referring to that point as no 
longer tenable, admitted Lee's inability to hold it over 
a few days at most, but stated that now that he had 



146 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS of^ THE WAR. 

been thoroughly defeated, he would fight only for 
effect; that the Rebel authorities would endeavor to 
make known to the world the fact that they were bat- 
tling in a holy and righteous cause, and that, should they 
fail, they would, with their expiring breath, announce 
the intention of the coming generation to accomplish 
the work which they had left uudone. 

Night came, and with it our troops reposed on their 
laurels. Bright columns of light rose from the Cockade 
City, and until one o'clock on Sunday morning occa- 
sional shots were interchanged between our and the 
Rebel lines. From that time until morning silence 
reigned over both lines. At half past four o'clock on 
the morning of Monday four reports of cavalry from 
Birney's front were heard, and four shells following one 
another in rapid succession sped, with a hollow, rushing 
sound, toward Petersburg. The reports awakened our 
weary men, and, after an interval of perhaps a minute, 
loud and prolonged cheers were heard from one end of 
the line to the other, bands commenced playing patri- 
otic airs, and every one was wide awake and sensible 
of the fact that Petersburg had been evacuated. 

Colonel Ralph Ely, commanding the Second Brigade 
of the First Division of the Ninth Corps, is credited with 
the honor of being the first to enter the city. There 
are several other claimants to the honor, among them 
a brigade of the Sixth Corps and the colored division 
of General Birney, of the Twenty-fifth. The latter 
claims that at an early hour on the morning of Monday 
a Rebel deserter came into our lines and reported that 
the Rebel picket line had just been withdrawn; that he 
immediately advanced his skirmish line, which entered 
the town at daybreak, meeting with no opposition, and 
that Lieutenant West, of his staff, was the first to set 
free four hundred prisoners, white and colored, from 
the city jail. 

Be this as it may. Colonel Ely, of the Ninth Corps 
has the official credit of being the first to enter the 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. I47 

town, and has therefore received its Provost-Marshal- 
ship. 

On entering the town the tobacco and cotton ware- 
houses were found smoldering heaps of ruins. They 
had been fired soon after we gained the Southside 
road on Sunday, and it was this conflagration which 
was observable on the afternoon of that day. About 
eleven thousand dollars worth of cotton and fifteen 
hundred hogsheads of tobacco were destroyed by the 
fire kindled by Lee on his exit from the city. Never- 
theless, innumerable bales of tobacco were found in the 
different stores and were appropriated by our soldiers, 
to whom that article has become as necessary as it is 
noxious. 

In the afternoon, President Lincoln, accompanied by 
Admiral Porter, arrived in the city from City Point; 
but so quiet was their arrival and departure that but 
few knew of their movements until the evening. 

At an early hour this morning, the army was again 
moving westward toward Sutherland's Station in pur- 
suit of Lee's retreating columns. At present, no one 
seems to know the enemy's exact whereabout. 



Tuesday, April 4, 1865. 



To-day, at about noon, Mr. Lin- 
Richmond, va,, coin came up from City Point, 
April 4, 1865. taking the boat to Varina, and 
there taking horses to this city. 
Along with him came Admiral Porter, with a few other 
persons. The party entered the capital with feelings 
that can better be imagined than described. It is not 
known whether the occasion reminded Mr. Lincoln '*of 
a little story," but it is presumed that it did. 

This coming of the President seems to point to peace. 
It is said that he intends to issue a proclamation to the 
people of the South, calling upon them to return to 
their allegiance. By this act the President will ignore 
the existence of the Rebel Government, and appeal to 
the common sense of the people, who, worn out by a 
long and bloody war, will no doubt set their rulers 
aside and make peace on any terms. 

It is estimated that there are twenty thousand Union 
people in the city, who will gladly return to the starry 
folds of their proper flag. It was only by force of arms 
that they bowed to the acts of the Rebel Government. 
To this class will be added the half-way men, who now 
will of course be good Union citizens. 

The Whig appears this morning as a Union paper, 
with the name of the former proprietor at its head. 

The reception of President Lincoln to-day was 
enthusiastic in the extreme. 



THE l^AST FOUR WKKKS OF THE WAR. 149 

General Weitzel telegraphed the Secretary of War 
that twenty-eight locomotives, forty-four passenger and 
baggage cars, and one hundred and sixteen freight cars 
were captured in this city. 



. .. „ This day was spent by the army 

Army of the Potomac. . •' ,. ^ ., c , ^ 

In the Field, m an activc pursuit 01 the 

April 4 1865. cucmy. It is a foot race again 

Union Account. , , ■' - , ^t*^'- 

between the two great bodies for 
a certain goal. The point for which General Lee is 
thought to be in march is Danville. Under cover of 
his left he drew off from his lines on the night of the 
second, and began a rapid march in the hope of gaining 
a good start upon us, in which he has failed, for this 
army is well up with his rear guard, the Second Corps, 
under General Gordon, which held the left of his lines 
on the day of the great battle. 

By the Cox road the bulk of this army went on Mon- 
day, through Petersburg, in pursuit, and the cavalry 
has been on the heels of the enemy all this day, taking 
two thousand more men from their ranks, which are 
fast dwindling away. It is thought that there cannot 
be more than thirty-five thousand men now with Gen- 
eral Ivce, and as they go on the men quit the ranks and 
find their way home. 

Our cavalry gives no rest to the broken enemy, and 
is pressing hard upon the rear of Gordon's Corps (their 
second). It is from it that most of the prisoners are 
taken by our cavalry. In many of the houses along the 
line of march, parties of wounded men are found, who, 
having been able to march from the late field of battle, 
were taken along and had to fall out on the way. It is 
only a very sanguine Rebel who cannot see that all is 
lost with the lately great army of northern Virginia. 

It may not exist as an organized body thirty days 
longer. If it can reach the force under General Joseph 
Johnston, a second heavy fight will take place; this 



150 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

time with General Sherman ; but the Army of the 
Potomac would in less than ten hours enter into the 
fight, and the result to the Rebel forces would be a dis- 
aster, which would be final. 

The first of May may see the end of this war, for 
nothing but a heavy line of defenses could enable the 
enemy to make a stand again, and time to throw up 
such a line is now wanting. The enemy can only flee 
from point to point for a short time. 

Hill's loss to the enemy is great, for he led their 
Third Corps with ability, and was perhaps only second 
to General Lee in importance to the Rebel army. In 
the late fight his corps was almost ubiquitous. It ex- 
tended from Hatcher's Run to Battery Gregg, and 
fought our Twenty-fourth and Sixth Corps. It was in 
that work that Hill was struck by three balls, which 
made his death wounds. 

To-day the cavalry and the leading corps made a 
long march. The Ninth Corps is some distance in the 
rear, as it left Petersburg only to-day, but the rest of 
the army is well in hand, and the cavalry, under the 
untirino^ Sheridan, is doing great service. 

There are many reports of extravagant success on our 
part flying about. One is that twenty thousand of the 
enemy have been forced to lay down their arms, but 
this is at least premature. It is the old story of bag- 
ging. The army is doing well, but has not made such 
short work of the enemy as that. 

Burkesville may be the point at which another great 
fight will take place. It is sixty miles from Peters- 
burg, and the army has not made more than about half 
that distance up to this evening. 



Mrs. Lincoln received a dispatch 
Washington, D. c, from the President to-day, dated 

April 4, 1865. as follows: "From Jefferson 

Davis's late residence at Rich- 
mond." Correspondents from City Point state that 



THK I.AST FOUR WEKKS OF THE WAR. 151 

Lee has divided the remnant of his army, and is re- 
treating in two small columns. Our prisoners at noon 
on the third exceeded twenty-five thousand. The 
Rebel destruction of property on their retreat literally 
beggars description. Stragglers and deserters are even 
in excess of what was anticipated. 



This morning's Tribune con- 
New York, tains the following editorial: 

April 4,1865. RICHMOND OURS! The fall 

of Richmond and Petersburg so 
closely following the victories of Saturday and Sunday, 
has gladdened the hearts of the loyal millions as no 
other event has done or had power to do. Newbern, 
Nashville, New Orleans, Memphis, Norfolk, Vicksburg, 
Chattanooga, Knoxville, Atlanta, Savannah, Charles- 
ton, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, were each 
important, and its capture was hailed with satisfaction ; 
but even Charleston the cradle of Secession, was not 
so generally esteemed the cockade of the Rebellion as 
Richmond, the seat of the Confederate Government, 
but lately deserted by its Congress, and till yesterday 
the focus of all that was left of its authority and pres- 
tige. " Richmond is Ours ! " as it was yesterday flashed 
to Madawaska and to Oregon, awakened more shouts 
of exultation than if it had been telegraphed that Lee 
had surrendered his army. 

For Richmond has been long an eyesore to the Re- 
public. The sudden and secret plunge of Virginia into 
the abyss of Treason — the instant rush upon the 
National Army and Navy Yard within her borders — 
the sudden transformation of the entire State into an 
active volcano of hostility to the National existence 
— the violence and terrorism wherewith Unionism was 
instantly suppressed from the Atlantic to the crests of 
the AUeghenies — the perils wherewith the National 
Capital was suddenly environed — above all, the Ion- 



152 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

and wearying efforts to plant the Old Flag once more 
on the battlements of the Rebel Metropolis — the 
precious lives sacrificed in those persistent efforts — all 
contributed to highten the joy wherewith Unionists 
yesterday grasped each other's hands and shouted 
"Richmond is Ours!" 

It might have been ours long ago. It could have 
been taken with little loss by the tens of thousands 
whom General Scott persistently held idle and useless 
around Washington throughout May and June, 1861. 
It might easily have been taken by McClellan in the 
spring of 1862, had that illustrious professor of the art 
How Not To Do It really and zealously tried. It 
might have been taken, but was not, for God's time 
had not yet come. At last, that time has come, and 
millions joyfully echo "Richmond is Ours!" 



On Sunday night before the 
City Point, va., evacuatiou of Richmond, the 

u^niorAclount. Rebels blcw up their forts and 

rams in the James River, the 
explosion of which was terrific, resembling an earth- 
quake, and was heard for miles around. Our gunboats 
have moved up the James River, and are now engaged 
in removing the obstructions. General Weitzel, upon 
entering Richmond, was directed by General Grant to 
allow no one to leave the city, or permit any one to en- 
ter, who was not connected with the army or had au- 
thority to do so. Petersburg was occupied by our 
troops on Monday morning. The Rebels fired Peters- 
burg in several places before evacuating the town, but 
the fire was speedily extinguished. Over five thousand 
prisoners have already been received at City Point, and 
others are constantly arriving. In fact there were so 
many prisoners there that a sufficient number of troops 
c )uld not be spared to guard them, and consequently 
detachments of sailors and marines were taken from 



THK LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 1 53 

the gunboats and placed in charge of them. The en- 
tire number of prisoners captured by our troops up to 
yesterday was estimated at thirteen thousand by well- 
informed officers. Our wounded are being sent in to 
City Point as rapidly as possible and hospital boats are 
there taking them on board for shipment to Baltimore 
and Washington. The Rebel deserters in the Bull 
Pen at City Point appeared to receive the news of the 
fall of Richmond with as great enthusiasm as our own 
troops, and gave cheer after cheer. 



April 4, 1865. 
Union Account. 



A pontoon bridge now spans the 
Richmond, Va., Tamcs Rivcr, connectine: Rich- 

mond with Manchester. The 
only trace on the river of the 
Petersburg Railroad bridge are the huge stone piers 
that were left when the bridge was fired on the night 
of the second instant. 



We are now on the Danville 
"'I'n'Jhe'FieiT'' Railroad south of Amelia Court 

April 4, 1865. Housc. Shcridau has urged 

Meade to hurry forward the Sec- 
ond and Sixth Corps, by the River road. If the troops 
can get here in time, we have hopes of capturing the 
whole of Lee's army. 

We are moving with our left wing under command 
of General Ord by the Burkesville road. 

We hear that Lee is at Amelia Court House from 
men of that army who have become disgusted and are 
going home, generally unarmed. 



154 'THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

General Grant has sent the fol- 
sutheriand Station, Va., lowing teles:ram : 

April 4, 1865. ..„& l ot, -J • 1 J 

Union Account. ''General Sheridan picked up 

twelve hundred prisoners to-day, 
and from three to five hundred more have been gath- 
ered by our troops. The majority of the arms that 
were left in the hands of Lee's Army are now scattered 
between Richmond and where his troops now are. 
The country is full of stragglers. The line of retreat is 
marked with artillery, ammunition, burned or charred 
wagons, caissons, ambulances, &c." 



Five hundred Yankee prisoners 

Augusta, Ga., froiu Sherman's Army, were last 

confe'derate Account. week brought iuto Charlotte, N. 

C. The Charlotte Democrat is 

informed that some of these prisoners, when told that 

they would be immediately exchanged, remarked that 

"if that was known in their army, Sherman would not 

have enough men to take him to Washington." 



A daring act of piracy was per- 
Baitimore, ivid., petrated to-day at Fairhaven, 

April 4, 1865. u ' -D u ^ xzr^. '^ 

Union Account. Hemug ^ Bay, about fifty miles 

below this city, the steamer Har- 
riet Deford, being seized by a company of Rebel soldiers 
in disguise. The Deford had scarcely left Fairhaven 
wharf before a dozen or more of newly received passen- 
gers threw off their overcoats, and drawing revolvers, 
revealed to the astonished gaze of the passengers the 
uniform of Rebel soldiers. 

The passengers, about seventy in number, thirty 
being ladies, were ordered to the saloon, and guards 
placed over them, while the balance of the pirates pro- 
ceeded to take command of the steamer. Captain and 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OK THE WAR. 1 55 

officers were forced into obedience at the muzzle of the 
pirates' revolvers. One of the pirates assumed control 
of the wheel, the pilot and engineer being compelled 
to proceed to sea. 

Mr. A. Donnell, clerk of the Deford, believing that 
he had met the leader of the outlaws on a former 
occasion, accosted him as Captain Fitzhugh, when the 
latter acknowledged the recognition, and said he was 
Captain of the Fifth Virginia cavalry, and acting under 
orders of superior officers. 

Under the persuasive eloquence of a revolver, the 
clerk handed over to the pirates nearly twelve hundred 
dollars belonging to the owners of the steamer and 
different firms in this city, which Fitzhugh carefully 
fobbed. 

When about a mile from Fairhaven, Fitzhugh com- 
pelled the engineer to sound the steam whistle three 
times, in answer to which signal three boats, contain- 
ing thirty-two men, put off from each side of the river 
and stood for the steamer. The crews of these boats 
having been taken aboard, the steamer was headedt 
down Chesapeake Bay. 

On the way down Captain Leage, Captain Dayton, 
officer in charge of steamer, and several old gentlemen, 
with ladies and children, were placed on board of the 
schooner Hiawatha, bound for this city. The balance 
of male passengers, engineer, firemen and twenty 
colored freedmen were retained as prisoners. The De- 
ford was valued at fifty thousand dollars, and had a 
cargo of tobacco, potatoes, grain, furs, &c., valued at 
eighty thousand dollars. 

Fitzhugh would not permit his men to rob passen- 
gers. The captured steamer is a fast sailer, having 
repeatedly made fourteen knots per hour. The intention 
of the pirates could not be learned, but it is supposed 
they will endeavor to run outside of the Capes, transfer 
the cargo to a larger vessel, burn the Deford, and pro- 
ceed to Nassau. 



156 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

The looked for artillery attack 
In Front of Mobile, Ala., oti the Rebel Spatiish Fort was 

Apni 4. 1365. . . 1 ,1 • • a 11 r 

Union Account. instituted this evening. All of 

our guns, both field and siege 
pieces, numbering upward of one hundred, were en- 
gaged for two hours in a terrific bombardment of the 
fort. An assault was not attempted. The Rebels 
threw their missiles with spirit and showed no signs of 
giving up. 

Spanish Fort contains at least four thousand Rebel 
troops and three generals. No body of troops can pos- 
sibly escape from it without being captured. 

The enemy's gun boats make no attempt to approach 
the fort. Battery Smith, manned with thirty-pound 
Parrott guns, controls the bay in front and keeps the 
Rebel boats at a distance. 



Reliable news reaches us to-day 
Mobile. Ala ^^^^^ ^j^^ Federals captured Selma 

April 4, 1865. . ^ j 1 r 

Confederate Account. yesterday With a great deal of 
Government property, twenty- 
three pieces of artillery, ammunition and all of our 
valuable machinery. 



The evacuation of Richmond 
Danville, Va.. commenced Sunday afternoon, 

confedllt J Account. President Davis and Cabinet 
arrived here Monday. Very few 
persons were able to leave Richmond, except Govern- 
ment officials, in consequence of the suddenness of the 
movement. 

No telegraph communication beyond the Junction. 
The Richmond arsenal has been removed. All the 
valuables of the Richmond banks w'ere brought away 
and also the specie belonging to the Government. 



ITHE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 157 

The last passenger said he saw a lot of low class 
foreigners burning the mills and warehouses and plun- 
dering stores as he left Richmond. 

The enemy had not occupied the city at last account, 
which was on the night of the second inst. 



This morning came and found 

Army of the Potomac, eVCry OUC aS aUxioUS tO COUtinUC 

April 4, 1865. .1 •. -r 

Union Account. the pursuit as ever. Lee was on 

the march for the Danville road, 
and had possibly reached it already, and delay on our 
part would have been criminal. Let it be understood 
that at this time Grant was south of, and marching 
parallel with Lee; and that, on the possession of the 
railroad mentioned, were based all our hopes of effect- 
ually preventing the escape of the enemy. According- 
ly, our columns were again in motion early this morn- 
ing, one pushing down the Southside railroad to Wil- 
son's Station, and another moving up the Namozine 
road toward Amelia Court House. Considerable skir- 
mishing in front of the last mentioned column occurred 
during its advance, but the enemy was continually 
forced back upon his main body with the loss of guns 
and prisoners. 



General Forrest estimated the 
Montgomery, Ala., Yankees iu Selma at nine thou- 

Con?edera'te\Tount. saud mounted infantry. Our 
force in Sunday's fight was Arm- 
strong's and Roddy's brigades, some militia and seven- 
teen pieces of artillery. The enemy turned our left, 
captured our wagons, artillery and a number of prison- 
ers, and occupied Selma. 



158 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

It is reported they burned only Government build- 
ings in Selma. 

The Yankees say they are going to Mobile. 

Some accounts say our forces burnt the cotton and 
Government stores. 

Forrest is all right, and in the proper place. Not 
much excitement. 

No official information of the enemy leaving Selma. 

The Dispatch newspaper is the only one saved. 

The Kentucky brigade lost heavily at Plantersville. 
Plenty of rumors. No immediate danger apprehended 
here. 



It is not the intention to allow 
Goidsboro, N. c, ^|-^^g fine, campaiornins: weather 

April 4, 1865. , ' . -t^ ^ - ^^ - 

Union Account. to pass uuimproved. Every ef- 

fort is being made for an advance. 
Cavalry scouts report Rebel infantry pickets at 
Moseley Hall, twelve miles northeast of us. This indi- 
cates an attempt to interfere with our railroad com- 
munication. They can't hope to succeed, as our guards 
are strong. 

A flag of truce, from the Rebel General Hampton, 
made its appearance yesterday in front of General 
Cox's line. The dispatches were received by Cap- 
tain Knapp, of the One Hundred and Fourth Ohio, 
and sent to General Schofield. Hampton, it is under- 
stood, wants an exchange of prisoners now on hand. 
An answer has not yet been given him. 

A walk through the streets of Goidsboro to-day would 
convince you that the name '^Yankee" — which the 
Rebels seem determined shall cling to us — is well ap- 
plied. Every corner and crossing is crowded with 
soldiers peddling tobacco, cigars, stationery, canned 
milk, or some other article. Everyone is as earnestly 
at work as though his livelihood depended on success. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 1 59 

The query is, where are the buyers ? All the capital- 
ists seem to be dealers. The paymasters have not been 
seen for months, and yet there is sufficient of "the 
medium" here to keep up a lively business. Another 
thing that is not explained is, where do these dealers 
get their supplies ? There is mystery even here as to 
how some things are done, and that mystery we cannot 
solve. 



Wednesday, April 5, 1865, 



To Lieutenant General U. S. 
^!"'.?l'"!'o!^' Grant: I send you the inclosed 

April 5, 1865. . ^^ ^ r,- x^ '^^ 

Union Account. letter, ^ which Will give you an 

idea of the conditioiif of the 
enemy and their whereabouts. I sent General Davie's 
brigade this morning around on my left flank. He 
captured at Fame's cross roads five pieces of artillery, 
about two hundred wagons, and eight or nine battle 
flags, and a number of prisoners. 

The Second Army Corps is now coming up. I wish 
you were here yourself. I feel confident of capturing 
the army of Northern Virginia if we exert ourselves. 
I see no escape for Lee. I will put all my cavalry out 
on our left flank except McKenzie, who is now on the 



right. 



H. Sheridan, 
Major General. 



Without intending to convey 
Goidsboro N c, aj^y information to the enemy, 

April 5, 1865. . t , , - . , / ' 

Union Account. it IS a matter oi pride to see the 

numbers and material of which 
this army is composed. There is now a right, left, and 
center army, commanded respectively by Generals 
Howard, Slocum and Schofield, and if they should have 
the opportunHy afforded them of again meeting the 

* This letter is omitted. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. l6l 

enemy in the field in a pitched battle, will strike a 
blow which will use up the last vestige of Johnston's 
army, now thoroughly demoralized by fear of Sher- 
man's victorious legions. 

With the exception of slight picket firing there has 
been no change in the monotony of camp life, and we 
would have no idea of our proximity to an enemy. 

Sherman's army has been thoroughly reclothed and 
prepared for the coming campaign, and before this 
reaches you our army will be on the march. 

Refugees arriving inside our lines report the evacua- 
tion of Raleigh. It is impossible to know how much 
credence is to be placed in this rumor, but it is not alto- 
gether improbable that Johnston may have moved his 
command further north, in order to try to make a 
junction with I^ee. 



News reaches us that a band 
of guerillas made a dash upon 
uii'ion ^Account. Summcrvillc to day, captured a 

few negroes, and threatened to 
shoot all the whites who have taken the oath. 



Charleston, S. C. 
Aprils, 1865. 



Alabama is over-run by Yankee 
Augusta, Ga., cavalry, under Wilson and other 

April 5, 1865. -^ ' . ^ t 

Confederate Account. COmmaudcrS, mOVlUg t O W a r d 

Mobile. 
McCook's forces burned Red Mountain Iron Works 
and the town of Eltoton. They have tapped the tele- 
graph in several places, sending dispatches to our 
officers. Two columns of Yankees are also reported 
advancing from Columbus, Miss. 



l62 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

This afternoon Sheridan and the 

Army of the Potomac, Fifth Corps had, by dint of hard 

un^ion ^Account. marching, reached the Danville 

road near Jettersville, and had 

already thrown up temporary works to dispute the 

passage of the enemy at this point. 

Later in the day the force was strengthened by the 
arrival of the Second and Sixth Corps, which were 
placed in a position supporting Sheridan and the Fifth 
Corps. Our tactics proved the accuracy of the Lieu- 
tenant General's calculations. Lee, having crossed the 
Appomattox at Devil's Bend, was with his army in the 
vicinity of Amelia Court House, and had counted on 
his ability to reach Danville, his objective point, via 
the road of the same name^ and on discovering the 
formidable force in his front, and the utter impossibility 
of penetrating our lines, changed his direction from 
southwest to west, with the intention of reaching 
Lynchburg, or possibly of heading us off, crossing the 
Southside west of Burkesville, and by a rapid detour, 
striking the Danville road south of the junction. 

But whether his objective point is Lynchburg or 
whether he still adheres to his original intention of 
reaching Danville, it matters not; subsequent events 
proves his inability to reach either, and leaves him 
a prisoner cut off from Richmond, Lynchburg and 
Danville, in the region around Appomattox Court 
House, with no alternative but absolute surrender. 

While the cavalry with the infantry force named was 
marching toward Jettersville to seize the railroad at 
that point, the column of Ord was moving rapidly down 
the Southside to Burkesville where it bivouacked to- 
night, while our right wing is thrown into position 
across the Danville road at Jettersville. 

The position of both armies on to-night may be 
explained by saying that the enemy held one side, 
the west, of a triangle formed by the junction of the 
Southside and Danville railroads. Ord's column is at 



THE LAST FOUR WKEKS OF THE WAR. 163 

Burkesville, Sheridan with the Second, Fifth and Sixth 
Corps is higher up on the Danville road at Jettersville, 
while Lee with the remnant of his army is still fur^ 
ther up in the vicinity of Amelia Court House. Sheri- 
dan has by a series of heavy attacks demonstrated the 
fact of Lee's presence at the point mentioned, and has 
telegraphed to Grant this evening expressing the opin- 
ion that, if pressed, the enemy would surrender. 



„ . . „ Honorable Edwin M. Stanton, 

Burkesville, Va., „ r ttt t • ^ L 

April 5. 1865. Secretary or War: Lieutenant 

10 O'clock p.m. General Grant received the fol- 

Union Account. , . ,. ., , ■, ^ r . • 

lowing dispatch at half past six 
o'clock in the evening while on his way to this point, 
and at once proceeded to General Sheridan's head- 
quarters. 

General Grant desired me to transmit the dispatch 
to you on the opening of the telegraph at this place, 
and to say that the Sixth Corps without doubt reached 
General Sheridan's position within an hour or two after 
the dispatch was written. Two divisions of the 
Twenty-fourth Corps will encamp here to-night, and 
one division of the Twenty-fifth Army Corps at Black's 
and White Station, Southside railroad. 

S. Williams, 

Brigadier General. 



Richmond and Petersburo: have 

Danville Va 

April 5, 'i865. fallen; they have gone down in 

The Evacuation of Richmond, a blazc of glory, and with a 

Confederate Account. , ^ P ^-^ ' ■, ^ . r 

record unstained by one blot of 
shame. All that the enemy have gained, has been pur- 
chased at a terrible price in blood, while our own army, 
although suffering severely, is still strong, intact, and 
ready for its future work. 



164 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Of the events of the last five days I can give you but 
a cursory view, and even this is obscured by the yet 
fresh smoke of the battle. 

Grant commenced his grand movement as early as 
Tuesday, the 28th. It was not unanticipated. 
Our only doubt was as to the exact point at which he 
would make his main or decisive demonstration. He 
felt our lines at different localities along their entire 
length. Hence General Lee was compelled so to dis- 
tribute his forces as to be prepared to repel the princi- 
pal assault with the least possible delay. 

On the Tuesday in question the enemy advanced on 
the south side to within one mile of the Boydtown plank 
road, threw up entrenchments and built a large fort in 
the vicinity of the Lewis house. During the night, his 
skirmishers pushed forward a few hundred yards fur- 
ther. Wednesday, we fought this column with varying 
success, and night drooped on a drawn battle. At 
Hatcher's Run, during the afternoon, there was also 
heavy fighting, in which the enemy lost heavily. 
Thursday heavy skirmishing and movement of troops. 
Friday the efforts were resumed and with greater deter- 
mination. The Federal cavalry swept around our 
works towards the railroads, but were met by General 
Fitz Lee and repulsed. The Yankee infantry, upwards 
of forty thousand strong, were massed near Burgess^ 
Mill, and here battle was joined in earnest. Of its 
results I know nothing definite, save that the enemy 
gained no substantial advantage, and suffered greatly. 
We captured between four and six hundred prisoners. 

On Saturday and Sunday, the fighting was fearful — the 
shocks of conflict the most terrible of the war, and the 
casualties on both sides immense. Our entrenchments, 
in many places, were held by a thin line only, but this 
stood nobly to its post, throughout Saturday. On Sun- 
day, however, Grant resumed his old vocation of 
^'Butcher." Finding that he could make little or no 
impression in the ordinary way, he massed his troops 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 165 

several columns deep against a portion of the line on 
the right, and then driving them relentlessly forward 
succeeded at last after frightful sacrifice of life in 
obtaining possession of a section of the works. It was 
not in the power of any men, however brave, to have 
withstood these desperate assaults without greater sup- 
port — Longstreet had not yet come up, although hurry- 
ing from another part of the field. Meanwhile the 
Federals were rolling forward and recoiling like waves 
— those behind impelling those before — until a lodge- 
ment was effected, the works mounted, a flanking posi- 
tion and enfilade fire secured, and the battle sub- 
stantially won. 

Our grape and canister mowed the enemy down by 
hundreds, our rifles told with unerring precision, and 
the ground was literally carpeted with the dead and 
wounded, but sheer physical brute force proved at last 
superior to everything else, and the defenses were 
taken. 

We know nothing yet of the military movements of 
the day in detail. But every statement that reaches us 
confirms the fact that our officers and soldiers fought 
like heroes. 

General A. P. Hill is said to have been killed or 
mortally wounded. He was passing through the 
woods and came upon two Yankees, whose surren- 
der he demanded, but instead of yielding one of 
them drew sight and shot him through the body. 
Whether he was killed outright or not we don't 
know. It is thought by some that he is in the 
hands of the enemy and probably still alive. Gen- 
eral Gordon is reported mortally wounded. He was 
one of the lions of the day. General Pickett is said 
to have been killed. These reports may all prove 
premature, and I recommend that they be received 
with caution. Our total losses are estimated at from 
eight to fifteen thousand, of whom a considerable 
portion are prisoners. That of the enemy can only 



1 66 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

be guessed at; but officers who were engaged at the 
front and saw something of the slaughter, state that 
it cannot be less than from forty to fifty thousand. 

The scene in Richmond, on the reception of the 
news, beggars all description. While preparations for 
an evacuation had been in progress several weeks, the 
suddenness of the movement took every one by sur- 
prise. The President was at church ; officials were 
resting in comparative quiet, waiting the dispatches of 
General Lee: citizens were confident and hopeful. No 
one anticipated disaster. When, however, the truth 
was foreshadowed, such hurrying to and fro, such gath- 
ering of goods, disposition of effects, and endeavors to 
leave the city, as took place has had no parallel during 
the war. The streets were thronged by an excited 
populace. The departments were alive with swarms of 
officials packing and removing the public records. The 
torch was freely applied by order of the Government to 
all species of public property. In some instances the 
patriotic owners set fire to their own premises— Libby's 
prison, tobacco warehouses and flour mills, whole acres 
of "Virginia weed," commissary stores and buildings, the 
Laboratory and Arsenal, in brief everything that could 
afford sustenance to the Yankee army, or incite pillage 
was given to the flames. During Sunday night many 
of the stores were broken open and robbed of their con- 
tents; and others were thrown open to the poor and 
needy. 

Before sunrise flames and smoke were coiling above 
and around the sacrificial pile in every direction, and 
I recalled amid the bursting bombs, the rush and 
roar of conflagration, the movement of trains, and a 
thousand other incidents of the hour, the siege of Se- 
bastopol in the Crimea. Our Malakoff had fallen, our 
noble fleet of gunboats were either sunk or blown up 
as on that memorable occasion, and our men might 
have been seen, with the lurid light of their burning 
capital glimmering on their faces, retreating slowly 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 167 

from the place. Take it all in all, it was one of the 
most fearful sights I have ever contemplated. Im- 
agination can scarcely fill the picture. 

On Monday, up to the hour of my departure, the 
excitement still continued and the work of destruc- 
tion progressed. The superb railroad bridge across the 
James was burned, and other similar structures above 
and below it. Little railroad rolling stock, if any, re- 
mained. The last train left on Monday morning. 

At what hour the enemy entered I am not now in- 
formed. But as their advance was within seven miles, 
I presume a column must have marched up during the 
day. An officer who escaped from Richmond in a 
canoe, says that when he left, a Yankee officer was ad- 
dressing a crowd from the Washington monument. 

So far as we have advices, they show good spirits 
still prevailing in the army and a general determina- 
tion not to succumb to the temporary difficulties by 
which they have been enshrouded. People are gener- 
ally beginning to regard the event as one necessary to 
our final success. We hope for the best. 



Rapidly is Richmond assuming 
Richmond, Va., prominence as a point of Feder- 

Apnl 5, 1865. ^. ^ • ata j ^l. 

Union Account. al occupatiou. To-day the 

James River at Rocketts shows 
that our vessels have successfully passed the torpedoes 
long since placed by the enemy in the river, to be ex- 
ploded in case of an attempted advance on Richmond 
by the Federal gun-boats. Our navy have already 
cleared the greater portion of these obstructions from 
the channel of the river, and our water communication 
is now open. The United States hospital transport 
Hero of Jersey arrived to-day under charge of Surgeon 
John F. Pratt, and is now at the wharf, flying the stars 
and stripes, giving to Rocketts the appearance of be- 
ing again a port of the United States. 



l68 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OI^ THE WAR. 

All apprehension of an immedi- 
Montgomery, Ala., ^^g advance of the enemy on this 

con?rderat'e\Tount. city has passed away. The ex- 
citement incident to first reports 
has subsided, and, although business has not been re- 
sumed, a much quieter state of feeling pervades the 
public mind, and were the enemy to come to-day, a 
pretty stout resistance would be made. General 
Buford, who is in command of our local defenses, 
leaves with his command this morning, in obedience to 
orders received from General Forrest last night. 

The enemy's force is estimated at six thousand. 
They have made no positive attempt to advance in any 
direction, but seem to rest quietly in the midst of their 
recent successes. Forrest and his command are at 
Marion Junction, and it does not seem possible, from 
the combination now making, for a single man of the 
enemy to escape. 



Thursday, April 6, 1865, 



The Cincinnati Commercial of 
Cincinnati, Ohio, this moming says: >'01d Abe" is 

April 6, 1865. in luck. He has Jeff. Davis's Ara- 

bian "boss," puts his knees under 
Jeff. Davis's mahogany, occupies Jeff, Davis's house, pos- 
sibly sleeps in Jeff. Davis's bed, and, if reports be true, 
came very nigh having possession of Jeff. Davis's wife, 
and even Jeff, himself. 



The capture of Richmond and 
Goidsboro, N. c, tiie or^-eat victory of General 

April 6, 1865. ^ f ^, -lj-l ^t,- 

Union Account. Grant wcrc telegraphed here this 

morning from Newbern, and the 
joy and enthusiasm which the good news creates in 
Sherman's army is beyond description. The Union 
citizens in Raleigh have also celebrated the event in 
spite of the Rebels who are now powerless to prevent 
such loyal manifestations of joy, which refugees say are 
also being openly displayed in different parts of the 
State. Here, at Newbern and at other points in this 
department, bells were rung and guns fired. 

Carl Shurz has just arrived at Newbern, and it is 
rumored that he is on the way to Raleigh. 

No movement for the return of North Carolina to the 
Union will probably be made until Raleigh is occupied 
by our troops, though it is now the general desire of the 
people throughout the State. 



170 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

A portion of General Sherman's army was under 
orders to move prior to the reception of the news that 
Richmond was captured. It was generally believed 
both in and outside of our lines that Sherman would 
move from this point to assist Grant in the capture of 
the Rebel capital. 

Some curious cattle of African breed, imported by 
General Wade Hampton, consisting of a bull, cow and 
calf, captured on his plantation near Columbia, S. C, 
were brought here and delivered over to General 
Meigs, who has forwarded them to New York to be 
placed in Central Park. On the same plantation 
was captured a band of minstrels, consisting of thirteen 
slaves, among whom were two white brothers, all of 
whom now travel with General Logan, their deliverer, 
for the amusement of himself and friends. 

The delay in reopening the port of Newbern causes 
much anxiety there. All the avenues from Beaufort to 
Newbern are still used exclusively for the public ser- 
vice, and not a pound of food can go to the relief of the 
inhabitants until that port is reopened, for which its 
authorities petitioned over a year ago. 



Hancock's column is moving up 
Washington, D. c, ^j^g Sheuaudoah Valley toward 

un^'iol. Account. Lyuchburg. Should Lee man- 

age to survive Grant's blows 
in front, Hancock will strike his rear. The Eighth 
Corps is ready to meet the enemy, and we are now on 
the war path. 

The Navy Department has re- 
washington, D. c, ccivcd information of the destruc- 

Aprii 6, 1865. ^[q^ of ^\^q exteusivc Rebel salt 

works on Buro Neck, in Mc- 
intosh county, Georgia, by an expedition from the 
United States steamer Ladona. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 171 

The War Department has been perfectly inundated 
with applications for passes to visit Richmond, from 
parties having friends or property there, curiosity 
seekers and tobacco or cotton speculators. It is stated 
that passes have been forged by parties assuming the 
character of representatives of the press. To such an 
extent has the Government transportation been 
monopolized that on the fifth, Secretary Stanton issued 
orders that no more passes are to be granted persons 
not in the military service. 

To-day's City Point boat brought up the band of the 
Fourteenth Virginia, They numbered twenty-seven 
pieces, and deserted to us last Sunday. They have 
been playing "Yankee Doodle," "Star Spangled Ban- 
ner" and the like in our streets to their own and our 
citizens' extreme delight. 

One hundred and eighty-five Rebel officers captured 
the last few days, came up in the same boat. They 
confess the fate of the Confederacy as hopeless. 

The hospital steamer, State of Maine, arrived at Alex- 
andria this evening with six hundred wounded Union 
soldiers. Two other vessels similarly freighted have 
arrived here to-day. 

Extensive hospitals are to be erected upon Craney 
Island, near Old Point, for the vast number of Rebel sick 
and wounded who have fallen into our hands. 

General Hoffman, Commissary General of Prisoners, 
has gone to City Point to see to the disposal of the 
thousands of Rebel prisoners in our hands. The sud- 
den and enormous acquisition causes much embarrass- 
ment. 



The steamers Decatur and Jer- 

NewYork, scy Bluc arrived at Fortress 

April 6,1865. Mouroc ou April 2d, from New- 

bern, North Carolina, with an 

aggregate of eight hundred Rebel prisoners and about 



172 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

two hundred refugees. The condition of these refugees 
is of the most distressing nature, many of them being 
incumbered with numerous children, barefooted, rag- 
ged and half-starved. They were taken charge of by 
the Provost-Marshal and will be sent north in a few 
days. 

A gentleman, recently arrived from Richmond, states 
that the best informed there believe that Davis has 
fled to Georgia, and that he will attempt a re-establish- 
ment of his government at Augusta, which possesses 
strong natural defenses and has been elaborately 
fortified. As a singular coincidence, it may be stated 
the elder Mr. Blair made this prediction weeks ago. 

Letters received by the Sanitary Commission from 
Wilmington state that three thousand paroled Union 
prisoners have arrived there, and that sanitary supplies 
in abundance were at hand. 

The New York, from Fortress Monroe, arrived at 
this port yesterday with one thousand three hundred 
prisoners. The Weybosset also arrived from Wilming- 
ton with one hundred refugees and seven hundred and 
fifty Rebel prisoners. 



Daylight this morning found the 
The Union Army, eucmy ou his way westward 

April 6, 1865.' toward Farmvillc, and then be- 

gan the grand race for High 
Bridge, on the Southside railroad at the point where 
it crosses the Appomattox. 

Previous to the discovery of the enemy's whereabouts, 
however, our forces on the right were advanced several 
miles in the direction of Amelia Court House; but, on 
finding that the enemy had gone westward, the direction 
of the cavalry and Second and Sixth Corps was imme- 
diately changed to the west in hot pursuit of Gen- 
eral Lee. The Fifth continued its march northward 
toward Painesville, in hopes of striking the rear of the 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 1 73 

enemy's column, but, with the exception of a large 
number of stragglers, met nothing to resist its progress, 
and subsequently wheeled to the left, connecting with 
the Second and Sixth Corps late in the day in the 
vicinity of High Bridge. 

Meanwhile we were not ignorant of the enemy's 
intention to cross at High Bridge, and from Ord's 
column at Burkesville, had been sent out a detach- 
ment consisting of the Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania, One 
Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio, and two squadrons 
of the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, the whole under 
command of Brevet Brigadier General Reed, Chief of 
Staff to General Ord, with orders to hi)ld the bridge 
against the enemy if possible, and if not to destroy it 
by fire. 

The expedition met with a sad fate, and, after making 
a desperate and heroic stand near the bridge against the 
overwhelming numbers of the enemy, who afterward 
completely encircled them, was almost literally cut to 
pieces or made prisoners. In the encounter General 
Reed was killed, shot it is said by the Rebel General 
Dearing, whom he engaged in a hand-to-hand conflict. 
The contest was a short and unequal one. General 
Reed, whose sword-arm had been disabled by a wound 
through the shoulder, received at Gettysburg, was 
shot by his antagonist while refusing to surrender. 
Three charges were then made by Colonel Washburne, 
commanding the cavalry detachment, in an endeavor 
to cut his way through the enemy toward the bridge, 
but only with the result before stated — the capture of 
the whole of his detachment. 



This morning we find the Sec- 
second and Sixth Corps, q^^^ moviug ou the cucmy's 

Vp^re, 1*865^.^' ^^^^^ toward Deatonsville. On 

its left, and advancing on a line 

parallel with it, was the Sixth Corps, while still on the 



174 ^HE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

left of Wright dashed the indomitable Sheridan, his 
horses on the gallop, and his men at short intervals 
amusing themselves with murderous dashes upon the 
flank of the thoroughly demoralized Rebels, in which 
prisoners, guns, colors and wagons were remorselessly 
gobbled. 

The Second had in the meantime, struck the enemy 
at Ferguson's Bridge, across a small stream east of 
Deatonsville, and, after a brief but sharp encounter 
forced him back, crossed, and was again in pursuit, 
toward Sailor's Creek, moving m line of battle for 
nearly twelve ^ miles through a country broken up 
into deep wooded ravines, and making in that distance 
five distinct charges against as many determined 
stands of the enemy, and in every instance compelling 
his retirement with severe loss. 

Shielding his rear as much as possible, the enemy 
continued his rapid retreat toward High Bridge. In- 
tervening was Sailor's Creek, a tributary of the Appo- 
mattox, which he must cross on his way to the last 
named stream. But the forces of Sheridan, Wright, 
and Humphrey were bearing rapidly down upon him, 
and, late in the afternoon, the Second Corps, forming 
the right of our pursuing columns, came up with his 
rear at Sailor's Creek, where, to cover the passage of 
his artillery and wagons, he made a desperate stand on 
a high bluff east of the stream. 

Finding the enemy prepared to hold their crossing 
at Sailor's Creek, the First and Third Divisions of the 
Second Corps were immediately formed for the pur- 
pose of dislodging the enemy from his position, and, if 
possible, of capturing his train, which was then cross- 
ing. The assault was highly successful. The enemy 
was driven from his position, and a large number of 
prisoners, together with two hundred and twenty-five 
wagons, fifty ambulances, and eleven colors captured, 
and all with but slight loss on our side. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 1 75 

Meanwhile the Sixth Corps and Sheridan were en- 
gaging the enemy on the left of the Second Corps 
toward the Southside railroad, and at nightfall had suc- 
ceeded in the capture of six or seven thousand prison- 
ers, among them seven general officers of the Rebel 
army, including Ewell, commanding a corps. In this 
brilliant affair the cavalry had operated on the left, or, 
on the right flank of the enemy, who was then endeav- 
oring to cross the Southside railroad near Rice's 
Station, on his way to Danville, the Sixth Corps in the 
center, and the Second on the right. The Fifth, 
which, as before stated, had in the morning moved 
north towards Painesville, was meanwhile returning to 
the position of the Second and Sixth, but it reached it 
too late to participate in the engagement mentioned. 
During to-day General Hayes, commanding the Second 
Division of Humphrey's Corps, was summarily relieved 
from command for tardiness of movement, and suc- 
ceeded by General Barlow, formerly of the First Divi- 
sion, who had reported for duty. General Smyth in 
the interim had commanded the division previous to 
the arrival of Barlow. 

Exhausted by their arduous labors of to-day, the 
Second and Sixth Corps bivouacked near Sailor's 
Creek to-night, while Sheridan, with the Fifth Corps, 
which had, after the fight at Sailor's Creek, swept 
round to the left, is again westward toward Appomattox 
Court House, toward which point it has been ascer- 
tained the enemy was retreating. 

Ord's command, which this morning was at Burkes- 
ville, has pushed up the railroad toward Lynchburg, 
and, on arriving at Rice's Station met the advance of the 
enemy, who was still persisting in his attempt to reach 
the Danville railroad, but who, on finding our forces 
again intervening, changed his course from south to 
northwest toward Appomattox Court House, with the 
hope of there passing our advance arid gaining the 
coveted railroad. 



176 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Here again, Lee had counted without his host as sub- 
sequent events demonstrated. To-night our pursuing 
army rests from Sailor's Creek on the right to Prince 
Edward's Court House on the left, to which point a 
detachment of Sheridan's cavalry has already been sent 
simultaneously with the advance of Ord's column up 
the railroad to Rice's Station. 



Friday, April 7, 1865. 



Sixth Army Corps, ^^^e Appomattox here is a mere 

In Pursuit of Lee, shallow creek running over a 

April 7, 1865. sandv bed. Three bridges span- 

Union Account. j '•. i_ • ^.t. -i j 

ned it, one being the railroad 
bridge, a second the Cumberland, and the third the Buf- 
falo. All these were destroyed by the enemy after they 
had crossed. They passed at eight in the morning 
with a long wagon train. On our coming in sight of 
the Appomattox, we found the railroad bridge on fire 
and the other two destroyed. 

The Second Corps soon passed the stream, covered 
by a strong skirmish line. Very little artillery was 
used, not more than twenty shots being fired. 

The ground about the Appomattox here is hilly, and 
offered good positions for our batteries, which could 
have swept the other bank of the stream if the enemy 
had made a stand there. 

Farmville is a small town, divided by the Appomat- 
tox, and has perhaps two thousand inhabitants. Its 
site is a rather picturesque one, on the slopes of the 
little stream. It has a thriving look, but was found by 
our foragers to be very poor in food. The people took 
their change of situation very quietly, and, for the most 
part, stayed in doors. The place is about fifty miles 
from Lynchburg. 

The Rebel army is said by the people to be very 
much reduced — not to number half of ours. It can not 
have more than thirty-five thousand men left, and in 



178 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

guns it must be very deficient. By the heavy "bag" 
made by us yesterday — the first really large body of 
prisoners taken by us at one time — General Lee has 
also lost some of his best Generals, Ewell being one of 
them. 

Our advance has been quite rapid, and has given no 
time to the enemy to recover the heavy blows dealt at 
them. The cavalry and Second and Fifth Corps lie on 
the other side of the Appomattox, while the Sixth is in 
bivouac on the hills this side (east) of the stream. The 
Ninth and Twenty-fourth Corps and a Division (the 
Second) of the Twenty-fifth are in the rear. The army is 
well in hand, and in fine spirits. 

The roads are much broken about a mile back from 
the Appomattox, and the rain to-day rendered them 
nearly impassable ; but the weather so far has favored 
us. To-day the scene along the line of march was the 
same old Virginia one of rain, mud, and a long line of 
wagons splashing through a broken load, drawn by 
mules covered with mud from hoof to the tips of their 
long ears. 

The line of march to-day was through a hilly but 
fresh country, many of the farms being in a state of 
good cultivation, and small stacks of corn were found 
on most of them, though the half of last year's crops 
had been taken by the Rebel Government as a tax. In 
most of the houses the women remained and some of 
the old men. As to the young men they were "in the 
army," that is, in the Rebel army. Very little live 
stock was to be seen, and the lowing of a cow made our 
foragers prick up their ears, so to speak. 

On the east side of the Appomattox, about half a 
mile from this point, and on a fine plantation of 
ground, is the Venable House. There General Joseph 
B. Johnston was born, and the family has given several 
men to the army, one of whom is Major Venable, on 
General Lee's staff. The house was an object of 
interest to us as we passed. 



THK LAST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 179 

Sheridan is far in the front, sweeping on with untir- 
ing vigor, the Murat of our army. His cavalry pick 
up prisoners in parties. In the course of the day some 
five hundred prisoners were taken, many of whom were 
very glad to get out of their bondage. 

There has been a good deal of pillage done by our 
men, and the consequence is that some of them have 
been found shot, or throat cut, in the woods. This is 
the fate of pillagers in the country of an excited enemy. 
The Provost-Marshals did much to put a stop to ma> 
rauding. I saw two of them drub with the flat of their 
sabers a squad of these fellows, who ran off as fast as 
their legs could carry them. 

The enemy have only six hours' start of us, and we 
are gaining in this grand foot race. 



The following correspondence 
'"Tn^IheFiefd^''' ^^ to-day betwecu Generals 

April?, 1865. Grant and Lee will explain 

itself: 
General R. E. Lee, Commanding C. S. A., 

General: The result of the last week must convince 
you of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part 
of the Army of Northern Virginia in this struggle. I 
feel that it is so, and regard it as my duty to shift from 
myself the responsibility of any further effusion of blood, 
by asking of you the surrender of that portion of the Con- 
federate Southern Army, known as the Army of North- 
ern Virginia. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant General, 
Commandino^ Armies of the United States. 



To Lieutenant General U. S. Grant, Commanding 

Armies of the United States. 

General : I have received your note of this date. 
Though not entirely of the opinion you express of the 



l8o THE LAST FOUR WEEKS 0*F THE WAR. 

hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the 
Army of Northern Virginia, I reciprocate your desire 
to avoid useless effusion of blood, and therefore before 
considerino^ your proposition ask the terms you will 
offer on condition of its surrender. 

R. E. Lee, General. 



Johnston is reported retreating 
toward Virginia, attempting to 
unVon Account. joiu L c c. Sherman is after 

him. 



Goldsboro, N. G 
April 7, 1865 



The Tribune's editorial on the 

New York, N. Y„ •,• r r^ ^, 

April?, 1865. positiou oi Grant's army is as 

follows : 

Grant's Advance. One of Sheridan's electrical, 
and yet practical, business-like, and soldierly dispatches 
came over the wires yesterday afternoon and announc- 
ed him at Jettersville, on the Danville road, twelve 
miles northeast of Burkesville, on the 5th of April at 
five o'clock in the afternoon. At the same time, two 
infantry corps, the Second and Sixth, were close up to 
him, and would reach Jettersville within an hour. 
General Grant with Ord's command was then at 
Burkesville, and General Grant himself forthwith start- 
ed to join Sheridan, who besought his chief to come 
up, saying that he saw no escape for Lee's army if 
matters were vigorously pushed. Seeing affairs in this 
light, Grant instantly started to take command in 
person. 

The march from Petersburg to Burkesville will rank 
among the swiftest and most remarkable of the war. 
It is fifty-three miles and was done in about two days 
and a half. Grant distributed his forces into three 
columns, as above indicated, and he himself entered 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. l8l 

Burkesville without any sort of opposition. Lee has 
not ventured to re-cross the Appomattox since the 
evacuation of Petersburg. He has not been able to 
make any sort of an attempt to get to Burkesville, and 
yet Burkesville is the very first place to which he 
must have meant and expected to go on leaving Rich- 
mond. Losing it, he is cut off from Johnston, and has 
no more hope of getting to Danville than to New York. 
With the dispirited remnant of his army he is shut up 
in that irregular belt of territory between the James 
and the Appomattox, and his position, more even than 
the condition of his army, justifies the opinion of Sher- 
idan that he has no chance of escape. The Appomat- 
tox bends far to the north, where the Danville road 
crosses it, and its course so lengthens Lee's march, 
that if he does not get on the south bank of the river, 
he is hopelessly outmarched by Grant's pursuing 
columns, and may be cut off from Lynchburg as he has 
been from Danville. It is passing strange that a 
soldier of Lee's reputation should be so completely out- 
maneuvered as he seems to have been during the last 
week." 

Something might be pardoned to Sheridan's enthu- 
siasm if he over-estimated the chances of surrounding 
or dispersing the army of Lee. But on the coolest sur- 
vey of the field, of the line of retreat forced upon Lee, 
and of the positions of the different columns, we can- 
not irnpeach the soundness of his judgment, nor doubt 
that Lee's best hope of retreat is gone. It is Grant who 
is now operating on interior lines, and who takes the 
chords of the arcs which Lee has to describe. And the 
soldiers of Grant are marching with that elate step 
which follows and foretokens victory, while Lee's 
beaten forces are haggard and sluggard with the de- 
spair of defeat. So with Sheridan we " see no escape 
for Lee," or none but in the daily increasing distance 
between the advancing columns of Grant and their base 
of supplies at Petersburg. We do not know how much 



l82 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

of the Southside road was torn up, nor how soon the 
cars can be sent to Burkesville, but every energy will 
be bent to get that line in order, and then for aught we 
can see, Grant can go ahead indefinitely. 

And even were it necessary to stop at Burkesville, 
the possession of that intersection of the two railroads 
is a victory. The separation of Lee and Johnston is 
another victory. The enforced retreat of the former to 
Lynchburg — if he could even get there — is another. 
Every dispatch from the front is more hopeful than the 
last, and it is likely enough that to-day will bring news 
to supersede all these speculations, and announce 
positively that Lee is cut off and hemmed in, and 
brought to bay with nothing to do but surrender to an 
* overwhelming force. 



This mornino: dawned and found 

Grant's Army - ^ . ^^ 

In Pursuit of Lee, the enemy again on the wmg 

April 7, 1865. toward Farmvillc and Appomat- 

Union Account. , ^ . tt a • . i* 

tox Court House. Again the 
pursuit was resumed and again we struck the rear of 
the enemy at High Bridge, where the Southside rail- 
road crosses the Appomattox. The river at this point 
is about one hundred feet in width, and is spanned by 
two bridges, one the railroad structure elaborately con- 
structed and of great height, and the other an ordinary 
bridge for the passage of vehicles. Both were fired on 
the crossing of the Rebels and four spans of the Hio^h 
Bridge destroyed before our advance, consisting of Bar- 
low's Division, were able to extinguish it. 

To insure the complete destruction of these bridges, 
Mahone's Division had remained behind on the other 
side, where, forming in battle line, it prepared to dis- 
pute our further pursuit. 

A sharp engagement ensued from either side of the 
stream on the arrival of Barlow, and the enemy still 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 183 

doggedly holding his position, a light battery of Miles's 
Division was brought up and posted on the eastern 
bank of the river, its fire soon compelling the retire- 
ment of the Rebel Mahone. 

The crossing of the Second Corps was then made, 
and, covered by skirmishers, we again advanced toward 
Farmville. In the advance the brigade of General 
Smyth led the van, and from the High Bridge to Farm- 
ville were constantly engaging the enemy, who as his 
chances of escape grew fainter fought the more desper- 
ately, and only retired when charged impetuously. 

It was about three miles from Farmville, where, with 
the flush of victory on his cheek, and the shout of tri- 
umph still ringing on his lips, that General Smyth fell 
mortally wounded, while leading in person his skirmish 
line against the enemy. 

In a number of important engagements General 
Smyth, during the absence of General Gibbon, com- 
manded the Second Division of the Second Corps, 
and always so creditably as to win from his admirer, 
the gallant Hancock, a meed of the highest praise. 
If there was any formidable position to be stormed 
in which daring and skill were requisite. General 
Smyth with his brigade was always selected for the 
undertaking. Dashing and soldier-like in appearance, 
he never failed to secure the entire confidence of 
his men, and when with true Irish impetuosity he 
lifted his cap and at the head of his column swept 
with a cheer down, Sheridan-like, upon the enemy, 
his purpose was sure to be accomplished. 

He was shot in the mouth by one of the enemy's 
sharpshooters — a branch of the service, by the way, 
which has inflicted upon us more loss in general 
officers than the remainder of the Rebel Army. The 
ball, passing through the mouth, lodged in the spi- 
nal column, paralyzing the whole body and rendering 
him almost insensible to suffering. He retained his 
consciousness until his death, early on Sunday 



184 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

morning; and, on inquiring of the Surgeon as to his 
chances for recovery, and receiving no definite answer, 
he said, "Don't hesitate. Doctor, but speak candidly, 
for I am no coward and not afraid to die !" 

But to resume. Barlow still led the advance with 
the Second Division toward Farmville, through v/hich, 
after making several obstinate stands, the enemy re- 
treated, leaving at every step guns, wagons, and camp 
equipage in his wake. General Humphrey, mean- 
while, with the First and Third Divisions of his 
corps, was pushing forward on the right toward 
Lynchburg, in the direction of which it soon became 
evident the enemy were retiring. At three p. m., 
Barlow was ordered to rejoin the main body of 
Humphrey's command, soon after which the First 
and Third were directed to again demonstrate against 
the enemy. 

A charge of the First Brigade of Miles's Division 
is represented as having been unusually gallant, al- 
though unsuccessful, as the main body of the enemy 
was struck northwest of Farmville. Darkness then 
came on and put an end to further operations. The 
captures of the corps during the day were five hun- 
dred prisoners, nineteen guns, a number of colors, 
besides wagons and ambulances in great numbers. 



Texas has very materially in- 
Taiiadega. crcascd in both population and 

April 7. 1865. .. . . ^ ^ . . ^ 

Union Account. Wealth siucc the beginning of 

the war; and is to-day as earnest 
for the prosecution of the war, and as much opposed to 
reconstruction as she was in 1861. Texas will 
never again be a State, or province, or dependency 
of the United States. Whatever may be the destiny 
of the seceding States of Cis-Mississippi, the States 
of the Trans-Mississippi, especially Texas, will remain 
free, separate, and independent States. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 185 

Prices at Auction — Messrs. 
Augusta, Ga.. ^ ^ Ramsav & Coiiipanv, on 

April 7, 1865. ttt 1 1 1 ^ .. ^t 4-- 

Confederate Account. Wednesday last, at the auction 
sale at the late residence of Mrs. 
Thomas Gardiner, obtained the prices annexed: One 
china dinner set, three hundred and eighty-one pieces, 
$5,100; one green china set, eighty pieces, $1,550; 
one white china set, ninety-five pieces, $5,000 ; celery 
glasses, $18 to $22 each ; punch glasses, $19 each ; 
champaigne glasses, $12 to $12}^ each ; wine glasses, 
$20 to $22 yz each ; cordial glasses, $25 each ; decanters, 
$120 to $150 each; celery stands, $105 each; glass 
pitchers, $62 to $255 each; ice cream bowls, $300 each; 
finger bowls, $8 to $18 each; vases, $190 to $475 each; 
gas fixtures, $80 to $300 each; tumblers, $25 to $50 
each; jelly glasses, $13 each; bed room sets, crockery, 
$425 to $850 each; china egg cups, $4 to $y each; doll 
heads, $100 each; one baby house, furnished, $1,500; 
one tapestry carpet, $7,000; one medallion carpet, 
$10,500 ; one brocatelle set parlor furniture, $15,000 ; 
one rosewood set, bedroom furniture, $17,000; one 
rosewood piano, $28,000. 



Saturday, April 8, 1865, 



By the arrival of the Merrimac 

New York, N. Y., / ,.1, • . 1, • ^ . 

April 8. 1865. ^^ ^^^^ P^^t we have important 

intelligence from Mobile. Gen- 
eral Canby had landed on the eastern shore of Mobile 
Bay, and laid siege to Spanish Fort, which is the main 
defense of the city at that point. The Rebel General 
Maury was in command at the Fort. Our skirmishers 
had advanced to within eighty yards of the Fort, while 
three or four of our batteries were stationed within 
three or four hundred yards. The Fort was invested 
by the Thirteenth and Sixteenth Army Corps, and 
from the 26th to the 30th ult. heavy skirmishing and 
artillery firing had occurred. The Union killed and 
wounded in the two corps up to the 31st were estimated 
at about eight hundred. Two of our iron-clads, the 
monitors Milwaukee and Osage, were blown up in 
Mobile Bay on the 28th and 29th ult. by Rebel torpe- 
does, killing four men and wounding seven. It is 
thought that the vessels may be raised, as they sunk in 
shallow water. The water and land for miles around 
Mobile were filled with torpedoes. On shore several 
casualties had occurred from them, and many had been 
dug up by the troops. The navy was actively co-op- 
erating with the army. A fleet of Rebel iron-clads was 
lying on Blakely river, below the city, and a battle be- 
tween them and our fleet was hourly expected. It was 
believed at Dauphin Island on the 31st ult. that the 
fight had already taken place, as heavy firing in the 
direction of Spanish Fort was heard throughout the 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 187 

day. General Steele's column from Pensacola had ar- 
rived at Blakely, six miles from Spanish Fort, opened 
communication with General Canby, and commenced 
hostilities on the 29th. He had captured one Brigadier 
General, twenty-two other officers, four hundred men, 
four hundred and fifty horses, and two wagon trains. 



The Bulletin this evening says a 
Tp^fs^'mt" report prevails, and is well 

authenticated, that Selma, Ala- 
bama, was captured and burned a few days ago by the 
cavalry force of General Thomas's command. 



To-day the army left the Appo- 

Sixth Army Corps, ^^ ■' • • ^1 1 

In Pursuit of Lee, mattox, moviug lu three columns 

Aprils. 1865. by as many roads which con- 

union Account. verge at Appomattox Court 

House, on the way to Lynchburg. 

The cavalry and Fifth Corps took a road to the left 
of the old stage road. The Twenty-fourth Corps went 
by another road to the right of them, and the Second 
and Sixth Corps took the old stage road. This was the 
one followed by the enemy. 

The plan of movement is for the cavalry and Fifth 
and Twenty-fourth Corps to head off the enemy from 
any route to Danville, which General Lee still seems 
to seek, and to force him to go toward Lynchburg, 
which is said to be now in the hands of General Stone- 
man. 

The action about the Appomattox yesterday was 
more serious than I was led to suppose. The First 
Brigade of the First Division, Second Corps, 
commanded by Colonel G. W. Scott, lost heavily, and 
this gallant officer was himself struck by a spent ball. 



/ 

1 88 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF, THE WAR. 

During this day the Sixth Corps met with no enemy, 
and the Second Corps was equally free in its march. 
The two corps marched about sixteen miles over a 
good road. 

The line of march passed through a finer and 
fresher country than any part we have seen yet. As 
we go west the farms appear better cultivated, and less 
devoid of stock. There was the same pillage to be 
seen to-day as on the march to the Appomattox, and 
the number of stragglers was shameful. They showed 
an utter disregard for discipline; yet there was no ex- 
cuse for all this marauding, for the men had drawn 
three days' rations. 

To-night I learn that the cavalry have taken fourteen 
more oruns and one thousand two hundred to one thou- 
sand five hundred prisoners. This loss must leave Gen- 
eral Lee with less than thirty thousand men, and very 
little artillery. A few more days of such work, and the 
enemy will be undone. 

To-morrow the Sixth Corps will effect a junction 
with the Second, and the two will move on together 
toward Lynchburg, on the heels of the enemy, while 
the cavalry and Fifth and Tw^enty-fourth Corps moving 
by a road to the left, will turn them, from any route that 
leads to Danville. 



The following correspondence 
Appomattox c. H.. Va., j^^^^j to-day between Gen- 

Apnl 8, 1865. / 

erals Grant and Lee: 
To General R. E. Lee, Commanding C. S. A. 

General: Your note of last evening in reply to mine 
of the same date, asking the conditions on w^hich I will 
accept the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia 
is just received. In reply I would say that peace being 
my first desire, there is but one condition that I insist 
upon, viz: That the men surrendered shall be disquali- 
fied for taking up arms again against the Government 



THK lyAST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 1 89 

of the United States until properly exchanged. I will 
meet you, or designate officers to meet any officers you 
may name for the same purpose, at any point agreeable 
to you, for the purpose of arranging definitely the 
terms, upon which the surrender of the Army of 
Northern Virginia will be received. Very respectfully, 
your obedient servant. 

U. S. Grant, 

Lieutenant General. 

Commanding Armies of the United States. 



To Lieutenant General Grant Commanding Armies of 
the United States. 

General: I received at a late hour your note of to-day 
in answer to mine of yesterday. I did not intend to 
propose the surrender of the Army of Northern Vir- 
ginia, but to ask the terms of your proposition. To be 
frank, I do not think the emergency has arisen to call 
for the surrender. But as the restoration of peace 
should be the sole object of all, I desire to know 
whether your proposals would tend to that end. I cannot 
therefore meet you with a view to surrender the Army 
of Northern Virginia, but so far as your proposition may 
affect the Confederate States forces under my command 
and tend to the restoration of peace, I should be pleased 
to meet you at ten o'clock to-morrow morning, on the 
old stage road to Richmond, between the picket lines 
of the two armies. Very respectfully, your obedient 
servant, 

R. E. Lee, 

General C. S. A. 



190 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

The Second Division of the 
Rfchmond va., Twentv-fourth Army Corps was 

Aprils, 1865. . j • j i. rf 1 

Union Account. to-day reviewed by General 

Devins. It was witnessed by 
nearly the whole population of Richmond, and passed 
off in a creditable manner. 

The First and Third Divisions of this corps under 
General Ord, are chasing Lee in his flight from Peters- 
burg. They are no doubt in the direction of Lynch- 
burg to-day, and are having a different kind of review 
from what the Second Division has passed for to-day. 

All the hospitals of Richmond have been taken 
possession of by the military authorities and are used 
for the care and comfort equally of the Union and Con- 
federate sick and wounded. A number of Confederate 
surgeons left in the city have been paroled to attend 
to the Confederate sick and wounded. More than half 
of General Pickett's Division has been brought in or 
captured, and the country between Richmond and 
Amelia county is said to be full of Confederate soldiers, 
nearly all of them Virginians, making their way to 
their homes. The Castle is used as a receptacle for 
citizen prisoners, of whom quite a number are gathered 
there. 



It was found this morning that 
Grant's Army, j^^^ j^^^^ ag^ain disappeared from 

In Pursuit of Lee. . f- . r f 1 •. 

Aprils, 1865. our immediate irout, and it was 

soon discovered that he was 
moving northwest to reach the road running south- 
west across the Southside railway from Appomattox 
Court House, and again with the apparent desire of 
" heading us off" and ultimately reaching the Danville 
railroad. Again, and for the last time, did we success- 
fully prevent the consummation of his desperate plan 
for escape. 



mU LAST FOUR WEEKS OE ^HE WAR. 191 

The command of General Ord had during the night 
received orders to move rapidly up the railroad to Ap- 
pomattox Court House, while Sheridan was to lead the 
advance on its right, having the same objective point. 
The Second and Sixth Corps were ordered to march 
northward, taking up a position east of the Court 
House, and thus almost completely encircling the rem- 
nant of Lee's army. 



The theatres have opened and 
A^riiT'ises*.' ^^^ lighted with tallow '^andles. 

There is not much to be seen, 
but the singing is enjoyable. Imagine a Richmond 
theatre, one week ago, and then the following as was 
sung on its stage to-night : 



To Richmond town the Yankee came 

To whip the southern Rebel ; 
There old Bob Lee did make a stand 

And got whipped like the devil ; 
Their handbills they distributed, 

Their heads were full of fun ; 
Of course thev say the ball commenced 

With round-shot, grape and bum (bomb 



Chorus — Let 'em bum-let *em bum — 
The way is always clear : 
And while they are bumming 
We'll take 'em in the rear. 



Now talk about your horses fast, 

Or take a two mile heater. 
But if you turn a Rebel loose 

He's much the fastest creeter. 
Now, we would to the Rebels say, 

To one and all fair warding — 
If once the Yankees catches them 

The Lord have mercy on 'em 



192 THK LAST FOUR WEEKS OF'THE WAR. 

Now, here's a health to General Grant! 

Who all his words fulfills 
And always to the Rebels gives 

His lead and iron pills : 
And when Phil Sheridan catches them 

Oil Lord! how bad thej fare; 
He flanks them on the right and left, 

And bags them in the rear. 

'Twas neck and neck on either side ; 

And neither thought the best, 
The Yankees and the Rebels, then 

Were fighting breast to breast; 
'Twas then Bob Lee rode up his lines, 

And rising in his saddle, 
He waved his sword and gave command 

To right face and skedaddle. 

While this was being sung there were sufficient 
Yankees present to show that it was appreciated, which 
was done in anything but a silent manner. 



Parties have arrived from Dan- 
^°'' Apri] 1 1 865.^'" ville within our lines, who report 

that the fugitive insurgent, Jeff. 
Davis, arrived at Danville on the afternoon of the third, 
covered with dust and perspiration. His only baggage 
consisted of three dilapidated trunks, which looked 
hardly fit for a journey to Mexico. Jeflf. was accom- 
panied by two or three members of his cabinet, and the 
whole party seemed to be in an extremely demoralized 
condition. Breckenridge, the Rebel Secretary of War, 
had not turned up, and was not heard from although 
diligent inquiries were being made for him. 



*'The force which advanced upon 
Montgomery, Ala., Sclma was uiue thousaud 

April 8, 1865. . 1 • r . 

Confederate Account. mounted infantry, to oppose 

which Forrest had but seventeen 

hundred men. The enemy, owing to the' bad conduct 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 193 



of Roddy's men, made a rapid advance in overpowering 
numbers, but were met on the breastworks by Forrest, 
who there manfully fought them, hand to hand, face to 
face, but unavailingly. About seven hundred of For- 
rest's men were captured. 

Selma is now garrisoned by nine thousand Yankees." 



There are persons amongst us — 
Augusta, Ga., multitudiuous unfortuuately — 

cont'lfL^te^rc^Lnt. whose souls are too small to 
comprehend the vastness of a 
struggle for freedom, too selfish to appreciate the ne- 
cessity ol a sacrifice, and too ignorant to fathom the 
depth of manhood through which the strong heart la- 
bors for the rights of man. After every reverse to our 
arms, these dreary and ephemeral creatures are whipped 
and subjugated, nor do they hesitate to confess their cra- 
ven fears and seek to impregnate others with them. 
Such men are the fungi, the barnacles which cluster 
about the Ship of State, only for its evil. We would 
to Heaven that such men were well out of a country 
which they secretly despise, or openly calumniate; and 
rid thereby of a cause which they are too shallow to 
understand, and too pusillanimous to uphold. A rot- 
ten apple amongst a barrel of sound ones is not more 
pernicious in its effects than a rotton heart in a true 
community. 

A great many men who, at this juncture avow them- 
selves conquered, were, four years ago, blatant about 
the principles which they now malign. 

Are not these principles the same now as formerly? 
Are they not to noble natures ten thousand times dear- 
er in this hour of trial, sanctified by the blood of the 
brave and the dolor of the poor, than when our eagles 
soared triumphantly over the battlefield and our starry 
banner flamed along the coast? It is the part of mag- 



194 I'HE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

5 

nanittiity to persevere unflinchingly and hold that 
thing or principle the more closely because it has suf- 
fered calamity. If such, however, be the action of a 
great soul, the reverse is equally true of ignes fatui^ 
called souls, which abandon every thing at the first 
blush of alarm and help the panic which they have dis- 
mally contributed to engender. 

We are almost inclined to believe that such men 
are not of the porcelain clay from which the glorious 
heroes of the world were fashioned; but rather of the 
wreck which remained from the creation of their su- 
periors. We deem that such monstrosities are worthy 
neither of heaven nor earth. 

For ourselves we embraced this cause in the begin- 
ning, because we deemed it right. We have clung to it 
since, through good and evil report, because the com- 
ing times brought confirmation of its rectitude. With 
the blessing of God — that God who promises his rest 
and liberty only to those who persevere to the end — we 
shall continue to maintain our ancient sentiments to 
the last. 

We loved our country when its flag nodded under 
the triumph-gates; we will not desert that country in 
the day of disaster. A land may be subjugated in a 
material sense, but the soul of a man, just and tena- 
cious of his purpose, will walk abroad, in spite of 
tyrants and their machinations. 

In the same proportions as our territory contracts 
our love of it expands. Like the Sybliline leaves, it 
becomes the more precious for the partial loss. 



Sunday, April 9, 1865. 



Lieutenant General Grant: 

War Department, Thanks be to Almighty God for 

aVh 9°"865. ' ^^^^ great victory with which He 

9:30 O'clock p. m. lias tliis day crowned you and 

the gallant armies under your 

command. The thanks of this department, and of the 

Government, and ot the people of the United States — 

their reverence and honor have been deserved — will be 

rendered to you and the brave and gallant officers and 

soldiers of your army for all time. 

Edwin M. Stanton, 
Secretary of War. 



10 O'clock p. m. 



Ordered : That a salute of two 
hundred guns be fired at the 
headquarters of every army department, and at every 
post and arsenal in the United States, and at the Mili- 
tary Academy at West Point, on the day of the receipt 
of this order, in commemoration of the surrender of 
General R. B. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia 
to Lieutenant General Grant, and the army under his 
command ; report of the receipt and execution of this 
order to be made to the Adjutant General, Washington, 

Edwin M. Stanton, 

Secretary of War. 



196 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

It has come. Here it is : 
Appomattox cj,urt^House, Va., u Qg^eral R. E. Lee, Command- 
ing C. S. A. 
General : Your note of yesterday is received. As I 
have no authority to treat on this subject of peace, the 
meeting proposed for ten o'clock this morning, could 
lead to no good. I will state, however, General, that I 
am equally anxious for peace with yourself; and the 
whole North entertain the same feeling. The terms 
upon which peace can be had are well understood. By 
the South laying down their arms they will hasten that 
most desirable event, save thousands of human lives, 
and hundreds of millions of property not yet destroyed. 
Sincerely hoping that all our difficulties may be settled 
without the loss of another life, I subscribe myself, 
very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

U. S. Grant, 
Lieutenant General U. S. A." 



To Lieutenant General Grant, Commanding United 

States Armies. 

" General : I received your note this morning on 
the picket line, whither I had come to meet you and 
ascertain definitely what terms were embraced in your 
proposition of yesterday with reference to the surrender 
of this army. I now request an interview in accord- 
ance with the offer contained in your letter of yester- 
day for that purpose. Very respectfully, your obedient 

servant, 

R. E. Lee, 

General." 



In answer to this communication General Grant re- 
plied that, at the time of receiving the note, he was on 
the Farmville and Lynchburg road, four miles west of 



THK LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 197 



Walter's Church, but that he would immediately go to 
the frout for the purpose of meeting General Lee. 
The following additional correspondence transpired 
previous to the surrender: 

" General R. E. Lee, Commanding C. S. A. : 

In accordance with the substance of my letter to you 
of the 6th inst., I propose to receive the surrender of 
the Army of Northern Virginia, on the following terms, 
to-wit : Rolls of all the officers and men to be made 
in duplicate, one copy to be given to an officer desig- 
nated by me, the other to be retained by such officers 
as you may designate. The officers to give their indi- 
vidual paroles not to take arms against the Government 
of the United States until properly exchanged, and each 
company or regimental commander sign a like parole 
for the men of their commands, the arms, artillery, and 
public property to be parked and stacked and turned 
over to the officers appointed by me to receive them. 
This will not embrace the side-arms of the officers, nor 
their private horses or baggage. This done, each 
officer and man will be allowed to return to their 
homes, not to be disturbed by United States authority 
so long as they observe their parole and the laws in 
force where they may reside. Very respectfully, 

U. S. Grant, 
Lieutenant General." 



''Lieutenant General U. S. Grant, Commanding U. 
S. A. 

General : I have received your letter of this date, 
containing the terms of surrender of the Army of 
xNorthern Virginia, as proposed by you. As they are 
substantially the same as those expressed in your letter 
of the 8th inst., they are accepted. I will proceed 



198 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

to designate the proper officers to carry the stipulations 
into effect. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

R. E. Lee, 
General." 



General Slocum assumes com- 
Goidsboro, N. c, mand of the New Army of 

April 9, 1865, ^ . "^ 

Union Account. (jCOrgia. 

The trains are all loaded, the 
troops clothed, and the armies prepared for a move- 
ment. No opposition is looked for until the crossing 
of the Neuse River, at Smithfield, is attempted. 

We have orders from General Sherman to be pre- 
pared for rapid marches, so that speedy results may 
follow. The Rebel army in his front will be promptly 
dealt with. 

Johnston's Army is reported as at same place as for 
the past few days. It is expected that Johnston will 
endeaver to hold Raleigh as long as possible. 



The glad tidings from the Army 
Goidsboro, N. c, Qf ^]^g Jamcs, Came at an oppor- 

April 9, 1865. ^ ^ . nAt, • 

Union Account. tuuc m o m c u t. The army is 

rested from its long and weari- 
some labors, and with such cheering news as "Rich- 
mond is Ours," they begin the new campaign — now of 
a far different nature — with more confidence of a 
speedy triumph. Nothing could have exceeded the 
wild enthusiasm with which the news was received. 
It was announced to the troops in an "extra," printed 
in hand bill form, containing the dispatches to General 
Sherman. It was at first received with doubt. "Too 
good to be true" the boys would say. The official an- 
nouncement, however, cleared all doubt, and as the 
real magnitude of the victory was finally realized, the 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 199 

excitement reached its height. Each one manifested 
his joy as best suited him. All kinds of enjoyment was 
the go. Some found their hidden bottle and dished 
out its contents; some mounted their gay steeds and 
galloped up and down the dusty streets, no matter how 
lame his muleship was, while some filled their can- 
teens, bottles and boxes with powder and fired a salute. 
The bands played; the flags proudly floated in the 
breeze; a genuine hand shaking was had and a wild 
time was had in rejoicing over the fall of the Rebel 
Capital. 



. , *u o 4 After a march of about twelve 

Army of the Potomac. • . 

Near Appomattox c. H., va., milcs, the columu of the army 
April 9, 1865. moviug by the old stage road to 

Union Account. ^ynchburg, camc to this point. 

The Second and Sixth Corps formed the column, and 
the Second was in front, with its First Division lead- 
ing. At this point a flag of truce was seen in front of 
the skirmish line, and General Miles, in command of 
the division, sent one of his staff, Captain J. D. Cook, 
A. D. C, to meet it. On going out, this officer found 
Colonel Taylor, General Lee's Chief of Staff, with a 
written communication for General Meade. Captain 
Cook took in the note, which made a request that this 
army would suspend hostilities until General Lee 
could fully consider the terms offered him yesterday 
by General Grant. To this the Commanding General 
replied, that he was not authorized to grant a suspen- 
sion of hostilities, but that he would give two hours for 
General Lee to accede to the terms, and if at the end 
of that time he did not do so, this army would continue 
its advance. The two hours were passed by us in 
agreeable suspense. At the end of that time the order 
was given to advance, and the Second Corps was 
hardly ten minutes in motion when a staff officer of the 
enemy came in with a note from General Grant, sent 
by General Sh^ridaUj directing the Commanding Gen- 



200 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

eral of this army to suspend hostilities until further 
orders, and adding that General Grant would be with 
him in half an hour. On receipt of this, General 
Meade gave the necessary order, and the army came to 
a halt. 

At two-thirty in the afternoon General Grant arrived 
and held a conference with General Lee, the result of 
which was that the latter agreed to surrender the re- 
mainder of liis army, now reduced to about twenty 
thousand men, as prisoners of war, to be paroled and 
sent home not to serve until duly exchanged, and signed 
articles to that effect. 

From the staff officer who came in we learn that 
General Lee ordered all their trains and the carriages 
of such guns as they did not intend to use — everything, 
in fact, that could not be carried on horseback — to be 
burned last night, in order that they might be free to 
cut their way through our cavalry. This they tried to 
do to-day, but met the Fifth Corps, which was with the 
cavalry, on a road to our left. Finding himself thus 
met. General Lee abandoned his intention, which 
might have been successful if there had been only cav- 
alry to fight at the point where he expected to find 
only cavalry. 

Colonel Taylor, the Chief of Staff of General Lee, in 
chatting with Captain Cook, said that the General, 
though calm, was in low spirits at the straits to which 
he saw his army reduced; and that for the two last days 
he was in rear of his main column, not more than ten 
minutes ride from our advance, so closel}^ did he watch 
the movements of this army. 

The officers and men of the Rebel army were anxious 
to hear what was to be done with General Lee, and 
showed great concern for him, saying that they did not 
care for themselves. 

There can be only one view of our operations, and it 
is that they have been short, sharp and decisive. They 



\ 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 20I 



have been a fine combination against the enemy, which 
has been well executed. To our strong force of cavalry 
and the untiring activity of General Sheridan may be 
ascribed the decisive success that our arms have met 
with; but it must be added that the action of the Sixth 
Corps, on the 2d instant, in taking the Southside Rail- 
road, and the support of the Second, Fifth and Twen- 
ty-fourth Corps, have contributed greatly to the re- 
sults. All our corps commanders have done well, 
but Generals Sheridan and Wright have, owing to 
circumstances, been able to strike more vital blows 
at the enemy than those of the other officers. 

In eleven short days these great results have been 
gained. Who would have thought it? From our 
great numerical superiority, I thought the campaign 
would be over in thirty days, and in one of my letters, 
mentioned the first of May as the time it would likely 
come to an end; but the time has been even shorter. 

A copy of the articles of surrender is not to be had 
at headquarters to-night, but one will no doubt be 
officially published to-morrow. 

To-morrow the formal surrender of the remainder of 
General Lee's army will take place, when one of the 
most striking scenes of the war will be witnessed by 
this army. No event in the history of the United 
States can compare with it in importance, and the 
gladness of a people thus saved from the danger of half 
ruin will be great. 

Our feelings are in a state of gladness that can hard- 
ly be imagined. Men see in the capture of the great- 
est army of the enemy an end to their hardships and a 
return to their homes. All the bands are filling the 
air with sounds of jubilee, and cheer after cheer comes 
from the ranks of the brigades as they file into their 
bivouac grounds for the night. 



202 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely 
Mobile. Ala., were captured to-day. We 

April 9, 1865. ^ ^ , - - ' . 

Union Account. secured seven hundred prisoners 

at Fort Blakely and five thousand 

at Spanish Fort, with a large amount of guns and 

ordnance stores. Our troops have entered Mobile and 

are this evening in full possession. 

General Smith's forces led the advance into Mobile. 



Mobile, the last remaining Rebel 
Mobile, Alabama, strongfhold east of the Mississippi 

Aprils. 1865. _, . ^ ^ j. .. j • • f if 

Union Account. River, has fallen and is m the 

quiet possession of our troops. 
From the 3d to the 9th of April — Selma on the 
3d, Richmond on the 3d, and Mobile to-day — what a 
week of victories the past week has been, will never be 
forgotten. 

At five o'clock yesterday — Saturday afternoon — all 
of our land batteries opened on Spanish Fort and Fort 
Blakely with our Parrott guns, the shells of which did 
great work against the sand-works and their be- 
leaguered defenders. A heavy and constant fire was 
kept going until about seven o'clock in the evening 
when the signal for advance was given. Two brigades 
of the Third Division, sixteen corps, which occupied 
our extreme right, made a gallant charge on the Rebel 
works and captured three hundred yards of them, then 
clambered on the inside and secured three hundred and 
fifty prisoners — the greater part of two Confederate 
regirnents. As it was now dark, we entrenched ourselves 
and lay upon our arms. Many of the Rebels had be- 
stowed themselves so deep in their caves of sand, or 
bomb-proofs, that they were taken completely by sur- 
prise. A Rebel officer said, ''The first thing we knew 
was, that the Yankees were dragging us out of our 
quarters and beds, saying, surrender, boys, at once." 
This surprise soon had its effect, and at one o'clock 



'THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 203 

this morning the whole fort surrendered. We secured 
in this surrender twenty-five commissioned officers and 
five hundred and twenty-seven enlisted men. 



This city IS quiet and fast assum- 

Ninth Army Corps, . / . ^ ,. ., ►tm • 

Petersburg, Va., ll^g ^ DUSllieSS activity. ThlS 

April 9, {865. corps is guarding the railroad as 

far through as Burkesville. We 
are anxiously waiting for news from Grant. 



Three companies of Mosby's 

Washington, D. c, gucrillas disbanded on Wednes- 

Aprii 9, 1865; day last at Culpeppei; Court 

House, and dispersed for their 

homes. Mosby has less than three hundred men left, 

mostly operating on a neck of land running down Cynia 

Creek and Fredericksburg. 



The old flag was raised and 

Sandusky. Ohio, lustily clieercd by the oath-takers 

April 9, 1865. in block No. I, of the Rebel 

prison on the island. While the 

oath-takers cheered the flag, the dyed-in-the-wool 

Rebel hissed it. 

If this hissing element was turned loose in our 
midst and resort to such doings, the lamp posts of San- 
dusky would be kept ornamented for a few hours at 
least. 



204 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

The position of affairs just before 
Sheridan's Cavalry, f^e surrender was as follows: 

"^ A^rii'^g, TsGs'/^ ' Sheridan's Cavalry had struck 
Union Account. the Rebel columu ou the main 

Lynchburg Road and cut it in 
two, west of the Appomattox Court House, and, to- 
gether with his infantry support, was now facing east 
and driving the rear portion of the column ( which was 
the main portion ) back the way it had come, while the 
Second and Sixth Corps, which had been following it 
up on the same road, now lay as a lion in the path of 
retreat. In other words, the main portion of the Rebel 
column, with General Lee in the midst of it, was com- 
pletely cut off, surrounded and hemmed in. There 
was no chance of escape. The column had been driv- 
en from the Danville to the Lynchburg Road, and now 
its course on the latter was stopped. There was no 
other road for it to take. Twenty-five thousand men — 
nearly one-half of whom had already thrown away 
their arms in their demoralization — were at the mercy 
of twice or three times as many victorious muskets and 
sabers ! 

While the Second and Sixth Corps were pounding 
the column forward with their artillery, and Sheridan's 
Cavalry and the Twenty-fourth and Fifth Corps were 
driving it back with all arms, like sheep in a slaughter 
pen. The Rebel General Gordon, who w^as in the be- 
leaguered column, sent forward to General Sheridan's 
lines a flag of truce, proposing a surrender of the entire 
command and asking an armistice until the terms of 
capitulation could be agreed upon. The order was im- 
mediately passed along General Sheridan's lines to 
cease firing, which was promptly obeyed, followed by 
the cheers of the troops who understood the reason for 
the order. 

Our skirmish line going east had now been advanced 
to within a quarter of a mile of the Court House, and 
the armies were within full view of each other. General 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 205 

Sheridan's forces resting on a circle of cleared hills im- 
mediately west of the Court House, and the head of the 
Rebel column, well closed up, lying in a valley about 
a mile to the eastward. Orders were issued to both 
sides for the troops to remain in the same position as 
they were, when the flag-of-truce was sent forward and 
the firing ceased. On the reception of the flag-of-truce 
and accompanying message by General Sheridan, he 
sent an aid to accompany General Gordon, at his re- 
quest, to the Court House, to talk over the matter of a 
surrender. Soon General Gordon arrived, accompanied 
by the Rebel General Wilcox, and they were met in 
the village by Generals Sheridan and Ord ; these were 
also joined by General Longstreet, who soon afterward 
came up. 

The result of this interview was a reference of the 
matter of a surrender to Generals Grant and Lee, both 
of whom, it was understood, were within reaching dis- 
tance, consequently a messenger was sent by General 
Sheridan down the Lynchburg road to the rear of the 
Rebel column, near which General Grant had his 
headquarters ( in the saddle ) and in the course of an 
hour or so the General arrived, in response to the mes- 
sage, at General Sheridan's headquarters in a dooryard 
in the west end of the village. Lieutenant Colonel 
Price, of General Sheridan's staff, was then dispatched 
into the Rebel lines to escort General Lee to the vil- 
lage, to be met on intermediate or neutral ground by 
General Grant. In a short time General Lee, accom- 
panied by Colonel Price and two or three of his own 
aids, rode up to the residence of Major McLean, alight- 
ed and went in. To mak.i sure of his identity I asked 
an aid of General Long, who was on a visit to General 
Sheridan at the time, what officer that was. 

'^ That," said he, " is the greatest man the coun- 
try ever produced, General Robert E. Lee." 

That General was soon joined by General Grant, 
with two or three of his staff, at Major McLean's, 



2o6 THE LAST J^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

the two being introduced by Colonel Price. After 
an exchange of the usual civilities, General Lee 
opened the negotiations by saying : 

''Well, General, you have got us in a tight place, 
and to save the useless effusion of blood, I propose 
to surrender this command on such honorable condi- 
tions as you, as a magnanimous General may pre- 
scribe." 

" You are right. General," replied General Grant, 
" in expecting magnanimous terms, magnanimity and 
liberality, I am happy to say, is the policy of the Gov- 
ernment I represent. As you ask nothing, I take the 
more pleasure in tendering the most liberal terms in my 
power. I therefore propose the surrender of all officers 
and men as prisoners of war, subject to exchange or 
parole, and, of course an unconditional surrender of all 
public property, such as trains, supplies, arms, ordnance 
and other munitions of war. If I could have the assur- 
ance of General Lee that it would be safe for us, I 
would gladly parole every officer and man on the spot 
and allow him to go to his home." 

General Lee — "I think I can safely promise that no 
officer or private of the Army of Northern Virginia 
would knowingly and willfully violate his parole of 
honor." 

General Grant — "To what forces does this surrender 
extend?" 

General Lee — "I can only surrender that portion of 
the Confederate forces now in your power; I cannot 
speak for the remainder at present." 

General Grant — "Well, that is all we can ask at this 
time. I understand the surrender to embrace all the 
men and material of the Army of Northern Virginia 
now in transit in this column? " 

General Lee — " You are right. I will recall the ad- 
vance of the column, which I consider in your power." 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 207 

General Grant — "Well, I propose to take immediate 
possession of all the public property, and parole all the 
officers and men on the spot, the officers to retain their 
side-arms and private horses." 

General Lee — " That is all we can ask! " 

The terms of capitulation were accordingly drawn 
up on this basis, at the dictation of General Grant, by 
one of his aids, and after some further exchangee of 
social civilities, the interview terminated, General Lee, 
with his white hair and beard flowing in the soft April 
wind, mount^'ng his fine grey horse and riding back to 
camp, and General Grant repairing to his new head- 
quarters on the west side of the town. 

General Lee looks well, though somewhat anxious 
and careworn, and a good deal whiter about the head 
and face, they say, than he was four years ago. It is 
understood that on being paroled he will immediately 
start for Richmond, where his family is. 

After the surrender General Gordon addressed his 
troops, intimating to them that the war was about 
over, and advising them on being paroled to repair to 
their homes and become good citizens again of the old 
Union. This advice was received with the most vocif- 
erous cheering by the Rebel soldiers. They even went 
so far as to fire a salute in honor of the surrender and 
no more fighting. 

The Rebel arms and trains, and various munitions 
of war, have been taken possession of this afternoon by 
infantry detachments from the Fifth and Twenty- 
fourth Corps, and the paroling will be attended to to- 
morrow. The number of prisoners is estimated at 
about twenty-five thousand, with two thousand supply 
wagons, two hundred artillery guns and twelve thous- 
and stand of small arms, a great many of these having 
been thrown away. 



2o8 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

This army the Rebels speak of 
^^"''I'r'/i^' as Sherman's '' Bummers." Pos- 

April 9, 1865. ^u^ ^^ J ^ u i 

Union Account. sibly the iiame does not belong 

to us. The name was given us 
by the enemy because our boys would walk around the 
country and try to pass the time pleasantly. Had they 
not kept out of our way and had they stood up like 
men and fought, our men would not have had time to 
do any "bumming." 

The title of "bummers" was given at the early part 
of the late campaign to such men as were in the habit 
of foraging on their own account, independent of the 
details made for foraging on every day's march. The 
"bummers'" first object was to get "transportation" for 
his proposed "pick up" which will account for the pres- 
ence of so many coaches, buggies, &c., in this army. 
After having "borrowed" rolling stock, he must also 
have freight, so he solicits it generally from that same 
locality, and carries a few cluckers with other "presents" 
into camp, and for this is called a "bummer." If there 
is anything wrong about this the enemy should keep us 
so busy that our boys would have no time for "bum- 



We learn from a reliable source 
^"Sj'g^'^g^; that our Trans-Mississippi army 

confe'derate Account. is uot ouly very large, but like- 
wise very efficient. The com- 
plaint which has existed, heretofore, with regard to its 
supineness, will soon be dissipated. Movements are in 
progress which will electrify the country. 

General Kirby Smith, very far from being the specu- 
lator he has been reported, is so poor that he had to 
sell his favorite battle horse; the one he rode at Manas- 
sas and Richmond. He works incessantly and, though 
not advanced in years, has become much worn and grey. 
His proper sphere is the field, and there he will soon 
be we trust. 



^HK LAST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 209 

The Yankees have a post at Morganza, commanded 
by General (Judge) Davis, the renegade Texan of 
Corpus Christi. Captain Collins, a true hearted son of 
the Lone Star State, who was promoted from the ranks 
at Perr3'ville for distinguished gallantr}^, keeps the gar- 
rison in perpetual terror with his band of scouts. Col- 
lins is the Mosby of Louisiana. With a small force he 
has neutralized and decimated a large garrison. 

At one time Davis tlireatened to burn the house of 
every person that fed Collins and his men. As soon as 
our partisan heard of this, lie communicated with the 
renegade general and told him if this threat was ever 
executed, he would hang ten Yankees for every dwell- 
ing destroyed and five more for every lady insulted. 
As Collins had managed to pick up a number of "blue 
bellies" and was known to be a man of his word, the 
people around Morganza and the bayou Fordoche re- 
main unmolested. 

Governor Allen is universally beloved. With him as 
the State Executive and Dick Taylor military chief, 
the army of the Trans-Mississippi would not long re- 
main torpid. 



Monday, April 10, 1865 



We are reliably informed that 
vicksburg, Tenn., Seliiia, Alabama, is added to the 

April 10,1865. .. ' ' . 

Union Account. Ime of Federal occupancy. It is 

said that Forrest, by the skin of 
his teeth, only succeeded in getting away. 

It is beyond dispute that Wilson's boys are doing 
their share of the work. Their ambition has led them 
through the roughest of roads without fear, and their 
work will prove this. 

Wilson's cavalry dismounted and made their charge 
of the 2d inst., against Forrest, one of the most deter- 
mined of the war. They carried everything before 
them. 

With the capture of Selma, also comes the news of 
the surrender or capture of Montgomery. Did you 
ever hear of so many good things as are coming our 
way this April ? I guess not. 



An expedition, composed princi- 

A^riMo' 1^865 ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ 

u'nion Account! Mouutcd Riflcs, left Norfolk on 

the ist inst., for reconnoitering 
purposes up the Chowan River, with the intention, if 
possible, of reaching Weldon, N. C. The expedition 
was under the command of Colonel Tanner, of the First 
Mounted Rifles, and resulted in entire success. The 
cavalry struck the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad and 



THE LAST P'OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 211 

demolished the track for a considerable extent. While 
thus engaged, they were attacked by a force of six 
hundred Rebels, and after a severe fight succeeded in 
repulsing them. The cavalry then fell back to Mur- 
freesborough where the booty was delivered to the gun- 
boats. Among the captures were one hundred bales of 
superior cotton, a large amount of tobacco and snuff, 
and thirty prisoners. Parties of the cavalry scouted to 
within a few miles of Wei don, and from the prisoners 
taken it was learned that the town was strongly forti- 
fied, and garrisoned by a force of one thousand Rebels, 
with several batteries of artillery. The expedition re- 
turned last Saturday night. This expedition — said to 
be the largest sent into northern North Carolina — 
accomplished a great deal of good in ascertaining the 
exact locality of the Rebel forces in that section of the 
State. 



A scout of Union troops sent out 

Knoxvilie, Tenn., fj-^^^^ pQ^|- DoUClsOU, iu COUl- 

April 10, 1865. , r t • ^ I /^ i l 

Union Account. Hiaud of Lieuteuaut Colonel 

Brott, met a gang of guerillas in 
the vicinity of the Cumberland River, between Clarks- 
ville and the fort, and a brisk engagement ensued. A 
number of the outlaws took refuge in an old mill, and, 
thus sheltered, kept our troops at bay. One of the 
guerillas, Hardis Wiley, was shot and killed. Two 
others belonging to the band refused to surrender, 
when the mill was fired for the purpose of driving them 
from their shelter. The outlaws were firm, and boldly 
stood their ground. The building burned rapidly, and 
the two desperate men were consumed in the flames. 



To-day, at ten o'clock, the grati- 

Chattanooga, Tenn., ^ . -^ ' , _. ' '^^ 

April 10, 1865. fyi^g ucws that I^ce has surren- 

dered was received at General 
Steedman's headquarters, creating the wildest excite- 



212 THE I.AST FOUR WEEKS DE THE WAR. 

meiit. As the news spread the men gathered in 
crowds and rent the air with the most vociferous 
cheers. The Twenty-ninth Indiana was ordered to 
" fall in " without arms, and then followed a regimental 
*' three times three " that would have done your heart 
good to hear. At noon the forts that crown the crests 
of the hills about town, fired a salute of one hundred 
guns, the whistles of the locomotives and machine 
shops screamed, while everybody feels good. 



A bright, clear, beautiful day, 

Lee's Surrender, but it Opened gloomily. Our 

1fpMrro°i865.' a^"^y ^^^d reached Appomattox 

Confederate Account. Court HoUSe, OU the road tO 

Lynchburg. Thomas, with his 
army, had arrived before us and effected a junction with 
Grant ; cavalry, infantry and artillery completely sur- 
rounded our little command. We had from five to eight 
thousand prisoners, and only eight thousand effective 
men with muskets, all told. The supply of ammunition 
was nearly exhausted. In this emergency General 
Lee determined to cut his way through. Orders were 
given for a grand charge, and our troops massed ac- 
cordingly. 

General Grimes' division led the charge, followed 
successively by two others. The engagement com- 
menced shortly after sunrise, and was continued until 
our men had broke through the Federal lines, driven 
them nearly a mile and a half and captured several pieces 
of artillery,' and some hundreds of prisoners. The old 
spirit of fight was unsubdued. Meanwhile a heavy force 
of cavalry threatened our flanks. For some reason 
General Lee issued orders to the troops to cease firing 
and withdraw. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 213 



Subsequently an officer, said to be General Custer of 
the Yankee cavalry, entered our lines with a flag of truce. 
Whether his appearance was in response to a request 
from General lyce, or he was the bearer of a formal de- 
mand for the surrender initiated by General Grant, we 
are not informed. At this time, our army was in line of 
battle on or near the Appomattox road, the skirmishers 
thrown out, while two hundred and fifty yards from 
those, on an eminence, was a large body of Federal 
cavalry. 

Soon after the return of General Custer to his lines, 
General Grant, accompanied by his staff, rode to the 
headquarters of General Lee, which were under an apple 
tree near the road. The interview is described as ex- 
ceedingly impressive. After the salutatory formalities, 
which were doubtless brief and business-like. General 
l^ee tendered his sword to Grant in token of surrender. 
That officer, however, with a courtesy for which we must 
accord him due respect, declined to receive it, or re- 
ceiving it declined to retain it, and accompanied its re- 
turn with substantially the following remarks: 

"General Lee, keep that sword. You have won it by 
your gallantry. You have not been whipped, but over- 
powered, and I cannot receive it as a token of surrender 
from so brave a man." 

The reply of General Lee we do not know. But 
Grant and himself are said to have been deeply affected 
by the occasion, and to have shed tears. The scene oc- 
curred between ten and eleven o'clock in the forenoon. 
When the sad event became known to the army, officers 
and men gave way to their emotions and some among 
the veterans wept like children. A considerable num- 
ber swore that they never would surrender and made 
their way to the woods. Generals Gary of South Caro- 
lina and Rosser of Virginia, with a few followers, cut 
their way out and escaped. But the bulk of the army, 
the men who for four years have done battle so nobly 
for the cause, together with leaders like Longstreet, 



214 I'HE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Gordon, Kershaw, and others whose names are forever 
distingnished, were obliged to accept the proffered 
terms. 

These were — capitulation with all the honors of war — 
officers to retain their side-arms and personal property 
and the men their baggage. Each one was thereupon 
paroled and allowed to go his way. 

During Sunday and Monday a large number of Federal 
soldiers and officers visited our camps and looked 
curiously on our commands, but there was nothing like 
exultation, no shouting for joy and no word uttered that 
could add to the mortification already sustained. On 
the contrary every symptom of respect was manifested, 
and the Southern army was praised for the noble and 
brave manner in which it had defended our cause 

The force of the Yankee army is estimated at two hun- 
dred thousand men. Our own, at the time of surrender, 
embraced not more than eight thousand effective in- 
fantry and two thousand cavalry, but it is said that the 
total number paroled was about twenty-three thousand 
of all arms and conditions. 

All the Federals spoke of General Lee in unbounded 
praise. The remark was frequently made "he would 
receive as many cheers in going down our lines as 
General Grant himself." 

It is understood that Generals Lee, Longstreet and 
other officers are now on parole in the city of Rich- 
mond. 

The following is a true copy of General Lee's Ad- 
dress to his army, issued after the surrender to General 
Grant at Appomattox C. H., on Sunday, April 9th, 1865. 

Headquarters Army Northern Va. 

April loth, 1865. 

General Orders, \ 

No. 9. J 

After four years of arduous service, marked by unsur- 
passed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern 



THE I.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 215 

Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming 
numbers and resources. 

I need not tell the brave survivors of so many hard 
fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last, 
that I have consented to this result from no distrust of 
them. But feeling that valor and devotion could ac- 
complish nothing that could compensate for the loss 
that would have attended the continuance of the con- 
test. I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of 
those whose past services have endeared them to their 
countrymen. 

By the terms of the agreement officers and men can 
return to their homes and remain until exchanged. 
You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds 
from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, 
and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to 
you His blessing and protection. 

With unceasing admiration of your constancy and 
devotion to your country and a grateful remembrance 
of your kind and generous consideration for myself, I 
bid you an affectionate farewell. 

R. E. IvEE, 

General. 



Below is a special order embracing General Grant^s 
order for the passage of paroled soldiers to their homes 
and also the form of pass given them : 

Headquarters Army of N. V. 1 
April loth, 1865. J 
Special Order, \ 
No. — J 

All officers and men of the Confederate service 
paroled at Appomattox C. H., Va., who, to reach their 
homes are compelled to pass through the lines of the 



2l6 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Union armies, will be allowed to do so, and to pass free 
on all Government transports and military railroads. 
By command of Lieutenant General Grant, 

E. S. Parker, 
Lieutenant Colonel A. A. G. 
By command of R. E. Lee, 

C. L. Venabee, 

A. A. G. 



Tuesday, April 1L 1865, 



The process of paroling I^ee's 
Fifth Army corpj. A r m v IS slowlv proo^ressiiigf. 

Near Appomattox C. H.,Va., ^. U r t ^ ^ 

Apriii 1.1335. The Confederate omcers are 

hard at work in furnishing in- 
dividual paroles for those lately under their command. 
As fast as the Confederate soldier gets his parole, that 
quick does he start for home. 



On the surrender of Lee it was 

Appomauox c. H., va., estimated that his army con- 

ApriM 1,1865. sistcd of about thirty thousand 

men. It will therefore astonish 
the country to learn that of paroled prisoners we prob- 
ably received at the surrender not more than eight 
thousand. The question naturally arises, what became 
of the remaining twenty-two thousand? Rebel officers 
aver that on learning of Lee's intention to surrender, 
thousands, among them the Rebel cavalry, left, either 
for their homes or to join the army of Johnston before 
being paroled, and that these men will doubtless soon be 
found in the fighting ranks of the Rebel armies else- 
where. 

After the surrender, the Fifth Corps was ordered to 
remain for the purpose of superintending the removal 
of the surrendered property. Sheridan and the com- 
mand of General Ord marched for Danville, while the 
Second and Sixth returned to Burkesville for supplies. 



2l8 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

The Ninth Corps took no part in the pursuit of Lee's 
army from Petersburg, but remained behind for the 
purpose of guarding the railroad at Burkesville. 

Lee, it is said, attributes the capture of his army to 
his endeavors to save his wagon train, which greatly 
delayed his progress. Had he abandoned it he might 
possibly have reached the Danville Road before us, and 
escaped with his army southward. He will doubtless 
learn wisdom by experience. 

Near the Appomattox, and at the point where Sheri- 
dan and Wright achieved their brilliant success of Fri- 
day, lay the ruins of army wagons, ambulances, forges, 
caissons, and the debris generally of the Rebel army. 
On the white canvas cover of an army wagon some 
wag, possibly a good-natured Johnny, had written in 
glaring capitals, " WE UNS have found the last 
DITCH." From the scene presented in the gorge referred 
to one might very easily believe that it was the long- 
vaunted "last ditch" of the expiring "Confederacy." 



The keys of this city are to-day 

ApriMi'^is^'s'B: ^^ t^^ ^^^^^ ^f Griffin's Union 

scouting party, and will be given 
to General MacKenzie upon his arrival, which is 
momentarily expected. The citizens show signs of 
satisfaction over the result and are courteous. The 
streets are filled with Confederate soldiers who are 
anxiously awaiting the result of the change. We hope 
that Sherman is meeting with success. We are now 
ready to digest good news from him, which, with 
Johnston bagged, must close up the deal. 



The following prices are to-day's 
Columbus. Ga., market values: Tobacco, com- 

April 11, 1865. „ , m. • 

Confedarate Account. mou, $4.22 tO $7-10; ClgarS per 

thousand, $200; one sole leather 
trunk, $610; powder, $20; one negro woman, thirty- 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 219 

five years old, and four children, $5,500; four per cent, 
certificates, 33c.; cotton, 60c.; diamond rings, $1,500 
to $2,400; cane syrup, per gallon, $16 to $17.50; salt, 
$2.60 to $2.75; Irish potatoes, $15 to $16; gold watches, 
$800 to $3,300; oranges, 55c. ; horse, $2,000. 



The capture of this important 
Lynchburg, Va., place this momino" without 00- 

Aprii 11. 1865. ^ . . . 1-1 1, ^ 

Union Account. positiou, shows plainly what 

other places in this section may 
allow. The people here — or the majority of them — 
are glad that the "Old Flag" has come back. 

So important a town as this in our hands, is another 
great loss to the enemy. Here, the center of three 
railroads, and the depository of vast supplies is given 
over to a squad of men under the command of a lieu- 
tenant. The base of guerilla warfare that has been 
promised to exist for tv/enty years to come, is now 
under Federal authority, and another page written in 
the history of Southern expectations. 

Lynchburg is now where it will possibly stay ; an- 
other of those cities belonging to the United States 
exclusively. 



Wednesday, April 12, 1865, 



Mrs. General Lee is seriously in- 

Richmond. Va., disposed. A iiegro guard was 

April 12. 1865. placed in front of the home she 

is occupying, but on it being 

represented that the color of the guards was an insult 

to Mrs. Lee, they were withdrawn and white guards 

substituted. 



Colonel Gamble, commanding 

Fairfax Station. Va., the Uniou forccs at this poiut, 

April 12. 1865. received a message from the 

Rebel General Mosby, in which 

he says he does not care about Lee's surrender, and 

that he is determined to fight so long as he has a man 

left. 



General Longstreet's entire corps 
Fifth Army Corps, marclicd from their camps and 

Near Appomattox C. H., Va., ^ -. ^. . ^ .r.i 

April 12, 1865. lomied lu line m front oi the 

First Division of this corps and 
stacked their arms, flags, &c., when they slowly and 
sorrowfully returned to their camp. It is a sight that 
cannot be pictured properly to those who have not 
witnessed it. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 221 

General Longstreet wore a smile on his face while 
General Gordon's expression was very different. Gen- 
eral Pendleton disliked to give up Lee's artillery, 
but did so. 



The^ Stars and Stripes were 

Mobile, Ala., hoisted ou Batteries Porter and 

April 12, 1865. Mackintosh at half past ten this 

morning. The most prominent 

church steeple also had our flag placed on it at half 

past two o'clock. General Granger's forces are now 

in full possession of this city. 

The Rebels commenced evacuating on the loth and 
continued until yesterday when they had all left. 



Stoneman's command, at ten 
saiesbury N. c, o'clock this mornino^ captured 

April 12 1865 . . . 

Union Account. this placc, and with it eight stand 

of colors, nineteen pieces of 
artillery, eleven hundred and sixty-five prisoners, one 
thousand stand of arms and accoutrements, one million 
rounds of small ammunition, together with clothing, 
bacon, salt, sugar, rice, wheat, &c. 

The greater part of these supplies came from 
Raleigh. We destroyed on our way, an equipped 
arsenal, six depots, two engines and trains, and several 
bridges. - 

We lost few killed in the engagement this morning. 



News now comes that General 
Thomas's Army Thouias has capturcd Selma and 

Washington, D. C, t., ai i ^ i 

April 12, 1865. Montgomery, Alabama, and has 

defeated and captured Forrest's 

and Roddy's entire command. When will these good 

things end? A few more days and there will not 

be a grease spot left of the Rebel armies. 



222 THE LAvST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

General Lee has obtained per- 
ApriTi2"'i865.' mission to visit Weldon, North 

Carolina. His army is still at 
the point where it surrendered. The work of prepar- 
ing the Rebel rolls, duplicates of which have to be 
made, and the turning over the property of the army is 
progressing as fast as possible. In a few days every 
detail necessary to complete the surrender will be con- 
cluded. The army will then be permitted to disperse, 
according to the terms agreed upon. General Lee and 
the officers surrendered by him, are overwhelmed with 
gratitude for the generosity displayed by Lieutenant 
General Grant. 

Lee surrendered less than eight thousand fighting 
men to Grant. Less than five thousand muskets were 
surrendered. It is the opinion of many patriots at 
Washington that the morale of our success only should 
be celebrated, and that with exceeding modesty. 
Grant had one hundred and twenty-three thousand 
men under his command. General Lee confessed to 
General Grant that Johnston's entire force would not 
number more than ten thousand. 



Jeff. Davis is reported at Macon, 
ZTA%se^. Georgia, on the loth. It is also 

stated that he has one hundred 
and sixty thousand dollars in gold on deposit in 
Havana. 



If this Revolution has produced 

Augusta, Ga., somc of the meanest and most 

confelrat Account. grovclliug of mankind, it has 

held an even balance by the 

example of some of the most exalted and aspiring 

souls — the true lords of the creation. The grub worms 

who prosper now, bloated with profit — a profit that 

has been sternly but veraciously denominated the 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 223 

sweat of the poor and the blood of the brave — these 
earth bugs, we say, shall be blotted from the records of 
the book of memory, or recollected only with infamy, 
while the anointed names of a thousand heroes shine 
in perpetual splendor. 

Out of the mass of those who have done well and 
gloriously a few arise who possess individual traits of 
superiority, which are calculated to elevate them above 
their fellows and make them memorable. 

We do not allude, at the present writing, to the Ti- 
tans of our time who have had the world for an applaud- 
ing audience. Their fame is secure. We would select 
an humbler worker in the vineyard of liberty, and one 
who has recently yielded for his country the sacrifice of 
life. Who can read of the death of Marcus Jerome 
Clarke — the romantic " Sue Munday" — without a thrill 
of horror and admiration — horror at his murder ; ad- 
miration for his courage and demeanor. " I die be- 
fore MY MANHOOD, AND YET I HAVE BEEN A MAN 

TO MY COUNTRY !" Such is the language of a noble 
spirit, and such the sentiment which shoiild animate 
the bosom of every Confederate youth. What a stigma 
does such language fix upon those lusty lads and brawny 
men who seek every avenue of escape from service and 
are not ashamed to deny their masculinity by cowardly 
evasion and finesse. You, skulker in the swamps, can 
you read the words of this young man unmoved ? You, 
sleek young fellow, with herculean shoulders and iron 
thews, how can you caper about at concerts and crawl 
in bomb-proofs, while the country bleeds and such men 
as Jerome Clarke die because of paucity of numbers in 
the ranks ? Read that last utterance of sublime faith 
and patriotism with which the young Kentuckian bade 
farewell to the hopes of youth and the vanities of the 
world. Strive to emulate his magnificent career. Be 
A MAN to the country which the Lord your God has 
given you, and the imps of Satan shall not wrest it 
away. 



Thursday, April 13, 1865. 



Evidently one of our opponents 
Raleigh, N. c, ^as had what they call ''His 

April 13. 1865. fill of it." The following letter 

picked up on our entrance here 
states the case, and does it in a very pointed man- 
ner. The letter is given exactly as it was written : 

"deers sister libby: i hev conkludid that the dam 
fulishnes uv tryin to lick shurmin Had better be 
stoped. we hav bin gettin nuthin but hell & lots uv 
it ever sinse we saw the dam yankys & i am tirde uv 
it. shurmin has a lots of pimps that dont care a 
dam what they doo. and its no use tryin to whip em. 
if we dont git hell when shurmin starts agin i miss 
my gess. if i cood git home ide tri dam hard to git 
thare. my old horse is plaid out or ide trie to go 
now. maibee ile start to nite fur ime dam tired uv this 
war fur nuthin. if the dam yankees Havent got 
thair yit its a dam wunder. Thair thicker an lise on 
a hen and a dam site ornraier. youre brother jimi." 



This morning at about nine 
Raleigh, iM. c, o'clock Kilpatrick's cavalry en- 

Apriii3, 18G5. tcrcd the city, and were soon 

after followed by the First Divis- 
ion of the Fourteenth Corps, commanded by General C. 
C. Walcutt. A Provost-guard was immediately placed 
at every house to prevent stragglers from molesting the 



THE LAST EOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 225 



citizens, who have since remarked that there has been 
more quiet and order since the advent of our troops 
than there was when Johnston's command were here. 

Wheeler's men have treated the people shame- 
fully, breaking into houses and stores, and robbing 
everybody, friend and foe alike. The people all 
through the country, as well as those m this town, 
represent them as acting more like a band of rob- 
bers than an organized body of troops. 

After the city had been formally surrendered, and 
while Kilpatrick was marching through the town, an 
officer belonging to Wheeler's command, who, with some 
of his men, were engaged in plundering a store near 
the Market House, rushed into the street and fired his 
revolver at Kilpatrick, who was riding at the head of the 
column; the ball fortunately missed Kilpatrick, but 
wounded one of his staff. Chase was instantly made, 
and the ruffian captured. In less than ten minutes he 
was swinging by his neck from a tree. 

The march from Goldsboro was a very severe one in 
consequence of the rain and naturally bad roads over 
which the army was obliged to pass. 

The pioneer corps and large details from different 
regiments were worked day and night, corduroying the 
roads for nearly half the distance marched. 

The Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps, commanded 
respectively by General Blair and Logan, and which 
are commonly known as the right wing of the Army of 
the Tennessee, under General Howard, took the ex- 
treme right on the inarch to Raleigh, which, in conse- 
quence of the circuitous route traveled, amounted to 
nearly sixty-four miles. This inarch was accomplished 
in three days and a half, an almost incredible short time 
when it is taken into consideration that the roads had to 
be made for full one-half the distance, amid a drenching 
rain storm which to any ordinary army would have 
made the roads impassable; but Sherman's veteran and 
victorious troops have learned how to overcome almost 



22 6 THE LAvST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

every obstacle to success, and they accordingly accom- 
plished this march in the short time stated. The same 
march could not have been made in the same time by 
any other army in the world. 

With the exception of some slight cavalry skirmish- 
ing this wing of the army has had no enemy to con- 
tend with or to impede their progress since they left 
Goldsboro. 

Those few of Wheeler's men, not amounting to over 
fifty or one hundred, who kept in our front were easily 
driven and kept at a respectful distance from our ad- 
vance, which consisted' of the Seventh Illinois Mounted 
Infantry of Major General Course's Division of the Fif- 
teenth Corps. 



The news that ''Lee has surren- 

April 13. 1865. 



Charleston, s. c, dered" reached here this evening. 



Many are so intoxicated with 
delight that they are wild. 

Patriotic songs are heard all over the city. Little 
sleep can be expected for to-night. Even the residents 
are joining in the jubilee. Charleston is, this evening, 
doing her share in the jollification. 



There is truth in the report that 
^rpJiM3";865.'' recruiting and drafting has 

ceased. Orders were issued to- 
day to that effect from the War Department. War will 
soon have become a thing to look back upon, and the 
horror will never be fully known. 

With every hour comes news from all sections, 
announcing the success of our army and the rapid 
destruction of opposition. Every loyal man, no matter 
if he is in affliction, wears an expression of satisfaction 
over the result of April so far. The end is near at 
hand, thank God. 



THE LAST EOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 227 

The Capital of North Carolina 
Raleigh, N. c, ^^g^g entered and occupied this 

April 13. 1835. . , , ^t • 

Union Account. niommg by the Union troops, 

and the Stars and Stripes wave 
from the ample dome of the State House. The First 
Division of the Fourteenth Corps, General Walcutt, 
was the first infantry command to enter the city. In 
accordance with General Sherman's order, the citizens 
were notified that they could all have a guard by ap- 
plying for it. On entering the city about half past two 
o'clock in the afternoon, I found a guard at every 
door, and a Sabbath-like quiet pervading the place. 
Kilpatrick's cavalry came in early in the morning, 
as the cavalry of General Wheeler — the rear guard 
of Johnston's army — withdrew. The latter ransack- 
ed and robbed a large number of stores during 
the last night of their stay. They held high car- 
nivals, got drunk, insulted the citizens, and kept 
up a reign of terror during the last days' occu- 
pation of the city. It was unsafe for ladies to 
walk the streets, and they kept shut up in their 
houses. General Johnston, whose troops proper 
were kept under the strictest discipline, had with- 
drawn. 

The greatest panic prevailed among a portion of 
the people on account of the exaggerated stories 
which had been circulated concerning the outrages 
they might expect from our troops. Their surprise 
and gratification at the good order and perfect quiet 
which prevailed upon the entry of the army, knew 
no bounds. It was an immense relief to the people. 
One of Wheeler's Cavalry who remained among the 
last, against the remonstrances of the citizens, fired 
upon some of Kilpatrick's men as they rode up to- 
ward the capital. He attempted to escape, but was 
shot in the mouth, his horse fell, and he was cap- 
tured and hung. The act of firing upon our men af- 
ter the surrender of the city, was in violation of all 



228 THE LAST EOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

propriety, and fully justified the fate which he met. 
General Johnston's army, consisting of twenty 
thousand infantry in a very good condition, and a large 
body of cavalry, some reports say ten thousand, in 
poor condition, evacuated Raleigh on yesterday 
morning, marching toward Hillsborough. 

The army of General Sherman, divided into three 
grand columns, and a column of Kilpatrick's cavalry, 
advanced from Goldsboro by three or four differ- 
ent roads. General Slocum had the left; ^ General 
Schofield, with General Cox's Twenty- third Army 
Corps, the center, and the Army of the Tennessee, 
General Howard, the right. General Terry with the 
Tenth Corps, part of Schofield's command, kept up 
the south side of the Neuse to unite with the other 
portion of General Schofield's army, near Smithfield. 
Before we had reached the latter place, it became 
known to General Sherman that Johnston would fall 
back from Raleigh. The army was accordingly 
pushed forward as fast as possible. When General 
Sherman arrived at Clayton's depot, he was met by 
a deputation from Raleigh, sent forward by Governor 
Vance, to make terms of surrender, and to secure 
protection. 

The wish to secure his own person from arrest, and 
to perpetuate his lease of power, and that of the Legis- 
lature elect was evidently another — perhaps the chief 
object of the mission. The party was of the highest re- 
spectability, consisting of ex-Governor Graham, and 
ex-Governor Swain, President of the University. Gen- 
eral Sherman received them with great politeness, and 
listened with attention to their remarks. The inter- 
view was brief and cordial, and, at its close. General 
Sherman assured them of full protection, on condition 
that his troops should not be molested or fired upon 
during their further march into the city. The assur- 
ance was given by the Commission that the city would 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 229 

be evacuated by General Johnston, and no opposition 
made to our advance. 

Hereupon General Sherman issued the following 
order, which was promulgated to the troops through 
the different commanders the same evening : 

Headquarters Military Division of the^ 

Mississippi, In the Field, Gauley's > 

Store, N. C, April 12th, 1865. J 

All officers and soldiers of the army are commanded 
to respect and protect the Government of North Caro- 
lina, and all officers and agents of the State Govern- 
ment, the Mayor and citizens of Raleigh — provided no 
hostile act is committed against the officers and men of 
this army. 

W. T. Sherman, 
Major General Commanding. 

It is understood that Governor Vance instructed his 
Commissioners to ask of General Sherman an armistice 
to enable him to convene the Legislature to take steps 
for bringing the State back into the Union. Vance, 
who has been very violent and made a rabid speech to 
the troops only five days ago, left last evening on 
horseback, as was supposed, in company with Captain 
Guthrie, late of the navy. A delegation has been sent 
after the fugitive Governor to get him back. 

General Kilpatrick's Cavalry, which had been skir- 
mishing with the cavalry of the enemy during the pre- 
vious day on the Smith field road, were met a mile out 
of the city by the Mayor, Wm. H. Harrison, who was 
accompanied by the Honorable Kenneth Rayner. The 
latter addressed General Kilpatrick, speaking for the 
Mayor and the citizens of Raleigh. He desired to sur- 
render the city, and requested protection for the citi- 
zens, the women and children, and for the two asylums 
near the city, viz.: the Insane and the Deaf and Dumb. 
The Presidents, or a delegation from the goverment of 
both these institutions were present. General Kilpat- 



230 THK LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

rick assured them of protection, and he and his staff 
then rode forward, entering the city at the eastward, 
while Wheeler's Cavalry retired in the opposite direc- 
tion. At about eight o'clock in the morning they rode 
to the capitol, and the Fifth Ohio Cavalry, ascending to 
the top, planted the American flag upon the State 
House dome. Some of Wheeler's men, against the 
earnest entreaties of the citizens, remained to get a 
final shot at the Yankees. The result was that one of 
them got a halter for his pains, and no sympathy from 
the the citizens. 

Adjutant James, the Rebel Provost-Marshal, who 
was suspected of conniving at the act, was arrested. 

General Schofield and staff arrived at General Sher- 
man's headquarters about half past two o'clock in the 
afternoon. During the evening there was a meeting of 
the Generals and prominent Union citizens at head- 
quarters. 

The city is perfectly quiet. Scarcely a soldier is to 
be seen — only the guards; the stores are all closed, and 
the main streets seem like Sunday. General Slocum 
and staff soon followed and General Sherman and 
staff arrived and took quarters at the Governor's 
mansion between nine and ten o'clock in the morning. 
The Governor was not at home to receive him, having 
urgent business at Hillsborough. General Sherman, 
however, made himself quite at home, as he had pre- 
viously done at the mansions of other Southern Gov- 
ernors. A splendid American flag hung over the main 
entrance, fronting Fayetteville street. 

The Central or Gasten Depot was set on fire by some 
of the Rebel troops before leaving, and together with a 
large quantity of corn, which was stored in the 
building, destroyed. The object was supposed to be the 
destruction of the corn to keep it out of our hands. A 
portion of it had previously been distributed among in- 
digent families. I learn that a pretty clean sweep has 



THE LAST FOUR WEKKS OF THE WAR. 23 1 

been made of the corn throughout this region by 
Johnston's troops. 

Prominent Rebel citizens here had information that 
Jeff. Davis had been heard of on his way to Cheraw, 
South Carolina. More recent news, however, locates 
him at or near Hillsborough, where he will probably 
put himself under the wing of Johnston's army from 
the Yankee raiders who are now thronging all the main 
roads of western North Carolina. 

Jeff, telegraphed to Johnston that the news from 
Lee was of the most disastrous character ; that he could 
not depend upon that army, and must make the best 
defense he could unaided by it. 

Hardee, before leaving Raleigh, remarked that if 
General Lee had surrendered, and he had no doubt of 
it, any further slaughter of men in battle was only mur- 
der. He is believed to express General Johnston's opin- 
ion on this point; and intelligent North Carolinians ex- 
pect to see a surrender of Johnston's army within a few 
days. 

It is reported that there was a large amount of specie 
accumulated at Danville — the proceeds of the late tax 
on gold and silver — with which it is expected Jeff., Jew 
Benjamin and their associates in treason will try to 
smuggle with themselves out of the country. 

Great anxiet}^ prevails everywhere among the people. 
The State is thoroughly impoverished, and distress and 
starvation must overtake them unless an immediate 
cessation of hostilities affords the opportunity to plant 
a crop during the present spring. Days, even hours, 
are now more precious than gold to those who must de- 
pend upon this year's crop for support for themselves 
and families. 



General Grant is here, in consul 
tation with the President. I 
headquarters are hereafter to 
in Washington. He goes to Philadelphia to-morrow 



X'rii7ri865.^" "^^^^^^ w^^^ ^^^ President. His 

headquarters are hereafter to be 



232 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Lee visits Johnston to stay bloodshed. He is truly 
penitent. Kwell is on his parole at the Metropolitan. 

General Lee was at City Point yesterday, but was 
expected to proceed to Richmond to-day. He will be 
present at the convening of the Rebel Virginia Legis- 
lature, and urge the immediate passage of a resolution 
restoring the Old Dominion to the Union. 



General Stanley has issued the 

Greenville, East Tenn., following Order: 

Fourth Army Corps Headqariers, ,,n^i ■, • r i 

April 13. 1865. " 1 he glorious succcss of the 

National armies under Lieuten- 
ant General Grant, being no longer a matter of any 
doubt, the army under his command having killed, 
wounded, captured and forced the capitulation of the 
entire principal army of the Rebels, including their 
Commander-in-chief, to-morrow, which is the day ap- 
pointed by the War Department for the raising of 
the old flag over Fort Sumter, where it was first in- 
sulted and pulled down by insolent traitors, will be 
kept as a holiday and a day of thanksgiving in this 
corps. A salute of one hundred guns will be fired at 
twelve o'clock noon, under the direction of Major 
Goodspeed, chief of artillery. All military duty except- 
ing necessary police and guard duty, will be suspended. 
It is recommended that chaplains of regiments hold 
services in their respective places of worship, to ren- 
der thanks to Almighty God for his goodness and mer- 
cy in preserving us as a nation and giving us the 
great victory over our enemies. Let us in our thank- 
fulness, remember in tears the many brave men who 
have fallen at our sides in this great and terrible 
war. Who among us has not lost a brother, a rela- 
tive, or a dear comrade? Let us reflect, and we may 
profit by so doing, that great national, as great personal 
sin, must be atoned for by great punishment." 



Friday, April 14, 1865, 



Sherman's Bummers have a new 
A^p'rii'?^; ^865. song that is expressive of the 

present feeling of his army : 

Tune: — " When Johnnj Comes Marching Home." 

Old Tecumseh is in the lead, 

Oh, Ho, Oh! Ho! 
Help from Grant he does not need, 

Ah, Ha! Ah, Ha! 
For now he's oriving the Johnnies enough. 
To try the quality of their stuff. 
The times they're having are mighty tough. 
While Sherman's boys they're trying to bluff. 

Oh, Ho*! Oh, Ho! Ah, Ha! 



We've been flying around from town to town. 

Oh, Ho! Oh, Ho! 
We've found no one that could do us up brown, 

Ah. Ha! Ah, Ha! 
We're on the wing and going along 
Not caring a cuss for Johnston's throng 
For while he's pounding his worn out gong, 
We're dropping right in, as it were, headlong. 

Oh. Ho! Oh, Ho! Ah, Ha! 



Now we're in Old Xorth Caroline, 

Oh, Ho! Oh. Ho! 
Chewing things that are sublime. 

Ah, Ha ! Ah, Ha ! 
Our bellies are full of chicken breast. 
Our boys are taking in the best. 
While Old Tecump is taking a rest. 
Before he again drops on the pest, 

Oh, Ho! Oh, Ho! Ah, Ha! 



234 I'HK LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 



Another week, and where will we be, 

Oh, Ho! Oh, Ho! 
On our march from bv the sea ? 

Ah. Ha! Ah, Ha! 
Perhaps Old Johnston with his bad licked crowd, 
Will be screaming to Cump, in a voice real loud 
Come on old Yank, we're done up proud. 
Take awaj'^ that s^ang, you've got us cowed." 

Oh,^Ho! 'Oh, Ho! Ah. Ha! 



It's bound to come in a few days. 

Oh, Ho! Oh, Ho! 
Even if the Johnnies don't like our ways, 

Ah, Ha! Ah Ha! 
If thev don't come up to General Cump. 
And offer to give it up in a lump. 
We'll give thetn another Yankee thump 
That will surely settle every chump, 

Oh, Ho! Oh Ho! Ah, Ha! 



The Steamer George Leary, 

Fortress Monroe, Va., whicli has arrived from City 

April 14, 1865. Point, this afternoon, brings 

down a rumor that Johnston has 

surrendered to Sherman. It lacks confirmation. 



Major Anderson, before a dis- 

charieston, s. c, tinguishcd assemblage, hoisted 

April 14, 1865. the Stars and Stripes on Fort 

Sumter, to-day. The flag had 

an evergreen wreath attached. The occupants of the 

stage all joined in taking hold of the halyards, and 

helped hoist the beautiful banner, while the enthusiasm 

was unbounded. There was a simultaneous rising, 

and cheering, and waving of hats which lasted fully 

fifteen minutes. 

General Anderson then introduced the Rev. Henry 
Ward Beecher who made the leading address. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 235 

To-day the anniversary of the 
Raleigh, N, c. capture of Fort Sumter, the 

April 14, 1865. right wiug of Shemiau's army 

made its triumphant march into 
the capital of North Carolina, to the intense delight of 
a goodly number of loyal citizens, who never favored 
Secession, and who would at any time during the pres- 
ent Rebellion have gladly sought refuge under the folds 
of the old flag, if they could have done so with safety 
to themselves and families. 

Two days ago a committee of gentlemen proceeded 
to General Sherman's headquarters at Clayton Station, 
on the Goldsboro railroad, and surrendered the city. 
They were: Ex-Governor L. Swain and William A. 
Graham, with Dr. Warren, Surgeon General of the 
State, on Governor Vance's Staff, acting as Secretary. 
General Sherman received the committee very kindly, 
accepting the surrender of the city and promising to 
afford every protection to citizens and their property. 



This morning's Tribune has 
New York, N.Y., the following editorial on the 

April 14, 1865. situatiou I 

The path of Peace opens 
pleasantly before us. There may be thorns in the way 
as we advance, obstacles to be removed, pitfalls and 
snares to be avoided, but we look back to the dread 
road we have traveled for four long and weary and 
painful years, and the road before us smiles only 
with Summer sunshine. It is natural for man to in- 
dulge in hope, and hope is not always illusive. 
That the war is over is a mighty fact. The cour- 
age, the endurance, the patriotism, the self-sacrifice 
that have stood the test of this gigantic struggle 
have borne the heaviest burden that can be laid up- 
on the heart and the character of a nation, and 
whatever else may be before us we accept the future 



236 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

with a cheerfulness that needs no abatement, with 
a joy that should be dimmed with no gloomy antici- 
pations. There are ships that will encounter the 
toughest storms and rot to pieces in the calms that 
succeed them. But ours is not one of these. The 
storm caught us with our rigging unbraced, our sails 
flapping, our decks in disorder, our yards unmanned, 
our rudder unshipped. A ship put in order to en- 
counter peril amid such multiplied dangers, and that 
then rode out the tempest, is too stanch and too well- 
conditioned to fear any wind that blows or any swell 
it can upheave. With flag and pennant stream- 
ing gaily out upon the breeze, she takes a new 
departure upon a smiling sea. 

It is a moment only for rejoicing. The hours of des- 
pondency — how many we have passed through! — the 
fears that courage, or strength, or resources might fail 
us, have passed away. The good fight has been fought; 
the Right has triumphed. We are a Nation, no longer 
divided against itself, but one, indivisible, united. 
Free. The darkness, the gloom, the doubts, the fears, 
have gone forever, and the hearts of all the people sing 
together for joy. Even those that are stricken with a 
sorrow that can never be forgotten, smitten with be- 
reavements for which there can be no earthly cure — 
even these will rejoice with a tenderer joy inasmuch as 
the gifts they have laid upon the country's altar are 
above all price. 

The war is over. The house is to be set in order, 
but the cause of disorder exists no longer. Within the 
week the President has issued two Proclamations giv- 
ing notice to the world that we are not now a distract- 
ed household, that the nations are to conduct them- 
selves accordingly, and cannot again be permitted to 
take advantage of our disturbed condition. To-day we 
publish an order from the War Department, that the 
draft and recruiting are to be stopped; that no more 
arms and ammunition are to be purchased; that the 



O^HE LAST ^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 237 

expenses of the military establishment are to be reduced; 
that military restrictions upon trade and commerce are 
to be removed; that the Government, in short, no 
longer needs to call upon the country for men and means 
to carry on the War, for the gates of the temple are 
swinging on their hinges, and will close presently, 
firmly and silently! The dispensation is over; the new 
era begun ! The throes, the pains, the tortures of birth 
are finished. A new world is born, and the Sun of 
Peace rises in splendor to send abroad over the land its 
rays of warmth and light ! Never before had nation so 
much cause for devout Thanksgiving; never before had 
a people so much reason for unrestrained congratula- 
tion and the very extravagance of joy. 



There is but one army left to 
ApriM4, 'i865. thosc of the Rebellion, large 

enough to be kept together for 
even a few weeks. While it is reported that Johnston's 
Army amounts to fully forty thousand men, but little 
truth is given this report, as we hear, every day of de- 
sertions by the hundreds, and that the news of Lee's 
surrender has so completely disheartened Johnston's 
command as that it will not be possible to hold them 
together. If Johnston is determined on meeting Sher- 
man, with a respectable army, it must be done very 
soon. The result of a contact would surely paint a 
picture for Johnston that is in keeping with the one 
Lee now looks upon. If Johnston retreats, which is 
about the only thing he ever did, he will have to aban- 
don Raleigh ; then to take up a march in this direc- 
tion he would run against more than he could possibly 
handle, and if he chooses to go in a westerly direction 
he will find Stoneman's forces far from asleep. Now 
what will he do is the question? His army at this 
time is an absurdity, and the sooner Johnston comes to 
realize this fact, the earlier will peace be declared. 



238 THE LAST ^OVR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Information has been received 

Washington, D, C, , ^ a r^ 4.) \ j . 

April 14, 1865. at General Grant s headquarters, 

from scouts, that General Stone- 
man has arrived with his command upon the railroad 
below Danville, and between Danville and Greens- 
borough. He will doubtless capture Greensborough, 
and cut the railroads around it, rendering Johnston's 
escape from Sherman impossible. It is highly probable 
that Johnston will be compelled to siirrender to Sher- 
man as Lee has to Grant. If he attempts to fight Sher- 
man, he will be annihilated, and it is impossible for him 
to get away from him. General Carl Schurz has arrived 
in Goldsboro, with orders to report to General Sher- 
man for duty. 

Special advices from Goldsboro to April lo, state that 
positive information had been received at Goldsboro 
that Johnston's army was within fifteen miles north- 
east of that place. 



President Lincoln and wife, 
President Lincoln's Assassination, ^j^}^ other fricuds, this eveuinef 

Washington. D. C, . , ^ ^ j ^' ^ ,^ 

April 14, 1865. visitcd Ford's Theater for the 

purpose of witnessing the per- 
formance of the American Cousin. The President and 
Mrs. Lincoln did not start for the theater until a quarter 
after eight o'clock. Speaker Colfax was at the White 
House at the time, and the President stated to him 
that he was going, although Mrs. Lincoln had not been 
well, because the papers had announced that General 
Grant and they were to be present, and, as General 
Grant had gone North, he did not wish the audience to 
be disappointed. He went with apparent reluctance, 
and urged Mr. Colfax to go with him, but that gentle- 
man had made other engagements, and with Mr. Ash- 
mun, of Massachusetts, bid him good night. 

The theater was densely crowded, and everybody 
seemed delighted with the scene before them. During 



THK LAST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 239 

the third act, and while there was a temporary pause 
for one of the actors to enter, a sharp report of a pistol 
was heard, which merely attracted attention, but sug- 
gested nothing^ serious, until a man rushed to the front 
of the President's box, waving a long dagger in his 
right hand, and exclaiming, ^^ Sic semper tyrarmis^'^^ and 
immediately leaped from the box, which was on the 
second tier, to the stage beneath, and ran across to the 
opposite side, making his escape amid the bewilder- 
ment of the audience, from the rear of the theater, and 
mounting a horse, fled. 

The screams of Mrs. Lincoln first disclosed the fact 
to the audience that the President had been shot, when 
all present rose to their feet, rushing toward the stage, 
many exclaiming, "Hang him, hang him ! " 

The excitement was of the wildest possible descrip- 
tion, and of course there was an abrupt termination to 
the theatrical performance. 

There was a rush toward the President's box, when 
cries were heard, "Stand back and give him air." 
" Has any one stimulants? " On a hasty examination, 
it was found that the President had been shot through 
the head, above and back of the temporal bone, and 
that some of the brains were oozing out. 

He was removed to a private house opposite to the 
theater, and the Surgeon General of the army and other 
surgeons sent for to attend to his condition. 

On an examination of the private box, blood was dis- 
covered on the back of the cushioned rocking chair on 
which the President had been sitting, also on the parti- 
tion and on the floor. A common single-barreled 
pocket-pistol was found on the carpet. 

A military guard was placed in front of the private 
residence to which the President had been conveyed. 
An immense crowd was in front of it, all deeply 
anxious to learn the condition of the President. The 
shock to the community was terrible. 



240 I'HE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

At midnight the Cabinet, together with Sumner, 
Colfax and Farnsworth, Judge Curtis, Governor Ogles- 
by, General Meigs, Colonel Hay and a few personal 
friends, with Surgeon General Barnes and his immedi- 
ate assistants, were around his bedside. 

The President was in a state of syncope, totally in- 
sensible, and breathing slowly. The blood oozed from 
the wound at the back of his head. The surgeons ex- 
hausted every possible effort of medical skill, but all 
hope was gone. 

The assassin is said to have gained entrance to the 
President's box by sending in his card, requesting an 
interview. In the President's party were Mrs. Lincoln, 
Miss Harris, daughter of Senator Harris, and Captain 
Rathbone, of Albany. Immediately upon opening the 
door he advanced toward Mr. Lincoln with a six-barrel 
revolver in his right hand, a bowie-knife in his left. 
The President, who was intent on the play, did not 
notice his intrusion; and the gentleman who was seat- 
ed beside him arose to inquire the reason of his entry. 

Before he had time to ask the assassin what he want- 
ed he fired one charge from his revolver which took ef- 
fect in the back of the President's head. The ball 
passed through and came out at the right temple. 
Capt. Rathbone attempted to arrest the murderer, and 
in trying to do so, received a stab in his arm. 

So sudden was the affair that for some moments after 
its occurrence the audience supposed that it was a part 
of the play, and were only undeceived when it was an- 
nounced from the stage by the manager that the Presi- 
dent of the United States had been shot. 

The shock fell upon the audience like a thunderbolt, 
and loud cries were immediately made to capture or 
kill the assassin. The scene which ensued cannot be 
described. Men and women rushed for the doors cry- 
ing and shouting for vengeance on the murderer. 

The murderous emissary of the Slave Power escaped 
easily and rapidly from the theater, and mounted a 



THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 24I 

horse and fled. The President, insensible, was carried 
out and taken to a house opposite the theater. 

Mrs. Lincoln fainted in the box and was borne out 
after her husband. The mass of the evidence is that J. 
Wilkes Booth committed the crime. 



When the excitement at the the- 
washington, D. c, ^tcr was at its height, reports 

April 14, 1865. wcrc circulated that Secretary 

11:30p.m. Seward had also been assassin- 

ated. 

On reaching this gentleman's residence, a crowd and 
a military guard were found at the door, and on enter- 
ing, it was ascertained that the reports were based on 
truth. 

Everybody there was so excited that scarcely an in- 
telligible word could be gathered, but the facts are sub- 
stantially as follows : 

About ten o'clock a man rang the bell, and the call 
having been answered by a colored servant, he said he 
had come from Dr. Verdi, Secretary Seward's family 
physician, with a prescription, at the same time hold- 
ing in his hand a small piece of folded paper, and say- 
ing, in answer to the refusal, that he must see the Sec- 
retary, as he was entrusted with particular directions 
concerning the medicine. 

He still insisted on going up, although repeatedly 
informed that no one could enter the chamber. The 
man pushed the servant aside, and walked heavily 
toward the Secretary's room, and was then met by Mr. 
Frederick Seward, making the same representation 
which he did to the servant. What further passed in 
colloquy is not known ; but the man struck him on the 
head with a " billy," severely injuring the skull and 
felling him almost senseless. The assassin then rushed 
into the chamber and attacked Major Seward, Paymas- 
ter of the United States Army, and Mr. Hensell, a 



242 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

messenger of the State Department, and two male 
nurses, disabling them all. He then rushed upon the 
Secretary, who was lying in bed in the same room, and 
inflicted three stabs in the neck, but severing, it is 
thought and hoped, no arteries, though he bled pro- 
fusely. The assassin, then run down stairs, mounted 
his horse at the door, and rode off before an alarm 
could be sounded, and in the same manner as the 
assassin of the President. 

It is believed that the injuries ot the Secretary are 
not fatal, nor those of either of the other, although both 
the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary are very 
seriously injured. 

Secretaries Stanton and Welles, and other prominent 
officers of the Government called at Secretary Seward's 
house to inquire into his condition, and there heard of 
the assassination of the President. They then pro- 
ceeded to the house where he was lying, exhibiting, of 
course, intense anxiety and solicitude. An immense 
crowd was gathered in front of the President's house, 
and a strong guard was also stationed there, many 
persons evidently supposing he would be brought to 
his home. 

The entire city to-night presents a scene of the 
wildest excitement, accompanied by violent expressions 
of indignation, and the profoundest sorrow; many shed 
tears. The military authorities have dispatched 
mounted patrols in every direction, in order, if possi- 
ble, to arrest the assassins. The whole Metropolitan 
police force are likewise vigilant for the same purpose. 

The attacks, both at the theater and at Secretary 
Seward's house, took place at about the same hour — 
ten o'clock — thus showing a preconcerted plan to 
assassinate those gentlemen. Some evidences of the 
guilt of the party who attacked the President are in 
the possession of the police. 



THE LAS']" EOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. ^43 

Sherman's Army, We have receivcd some news to- 

Near Raleigh, N. c, day froiii the forces co-operating 
April 14, 1865. ^^[^^^ ^|^J5 army asfainst Johns- 

Union Account. i . i • r • 

ton, which if true is very im- 
portant, and indicates the speedy envelopment of the 
last Rebel army of note in a strategic net, the meshes 
of which it will be impossible to break. Stoneman, we 
learn, has succeeded in cutting the railroad behind 
Johnston, between Greensborough and Salisbury. 
This, if true, will sadly embarrass the Rebel host in its 
plans of retreat. Another report which is very generally 
credited, and is probably true, states Sheridan to be 
ivithin one day^s march of Johnston, with a large body 
of cavalry. Retreat as fast as the Rebel Chieftain may, 
he cannot escape scathless, and probably cannot elude 
us at all. In this present position it would certainly 
be the part of a wise man to make a virtue of necessity, 
and surrender at once his army. He could doubtless 
obtain as favorable terms as were granted to General 
Lee, and to pursue the war further is simply to prosecute 
murder. It is strongly hoped in the army that John- 
ston will take this view of affairs and will prevent 
further bloodshed by a manly submission to irrevocable 
fate. If he does not, however, a rapid pursuit of his 
flying forces will be made, and when brought to a 
stand he will be annihilated, for our soldiers are not in 
a humor to trifle, and would feel very savage at a use- 
less prolongation of the war, and the consequent sacri- 
fice of lives and happiness. 

The allurements of an easy life in a capital city have 
speedily vanquished from the minds of all who enter- 
tained hopes of realizing it, for no intermission has 
been permitted in movements of the army. The Four- 
teenth Corps marched out of town early this morning. 
The Fifteenth was reviewed by General Sherman, and 
to-morrow will go on its way after Johnston. The 
Seventeenth is to be reviewed this afternoon and at 
daylight to-morrow will go on its way in chase of the 



244 "^HE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

enemy, and at daylight to-morrow the Twentieth Corps 
will leave its camp and be reviewed on its march 
through the city by Sherman. The town is to be gar- 
risoned by a brigade of the Twenty-third Corps, which 
General Schofield has detailed for that purpose. It is 
supposed that the General will remain in the 
city in person for a time and act as Military Gov- 
ernor until another is regularly appointed to that 
position. North Carolina is to be permanently occu- 
pied as a Union State, and Raleigh is to be converted 
into a vast depot of supplies. The railroad to Golds- 
boro is so nearly completed that a train is con- 
fidently expected to reach here from Newbern to- 
morrow morning. 

Raleigh possesses many features of interest to the 
observer of public institutions. The most prominent 
of these to the generality of people, is of course the 
State Capitol, This is a fine structure, as State Capi- 
tols generally are. It confronts one end of the main 
street and gives to that thoroughfare an aristocratic 
appearance. From the dome one obtains a very fine 
view of the surrounding country, which contains some 
excellent scenery. 

At the other end of Fayetteville (the main) street 
stands the Executive Mansion. This is occupied by 
General Sherman, and thus it happens that from the 
same building whence issued the fiery pronunciamentos 
of Vance, in aid of the Rebellion, proceed the calm, 
clear orders of Sherman for its dismemberment. 

Another interesting building is the Deaf, Dumb and 
Blind Asylum, which I visited to-day. It is a hand- 
somely-designed edifice. The pupils are given a 
thorough course of instruction in the trades, book- 
binding, printing, broom-making, and shoemaking, and 
when they leave the institution, are competent to earn 
a livelihood in ordinary times. Music is also a promi- 
nent branch of instruction, and several of the young 
ladies are fine performers. Among the unfortunate in- 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 245 

mates is Miss Lamb, a sister of the gallant Colonel 
Lamb, who fought the Fort Fisher fight so gallantly. 
She is a pretty, interesting girl of about fourteen, and 
seems to be very intelligent. 

At the Insane Asylum, which in point of size is next 
to the Capitol building, is a curious individual who has 
amused a large body of soldiers from the windows ever 
since the occupation of the town. He has a fine 
sweet melodious voice and employs it in singing comic 
songs and making speeches to his audience. From 
all appearance he is as sensible as any man in the Con- 
federacy. He speaks fluently and uses choice language. 
His own story is that having been once out of his mind 
he was sent to the asylum, and since his recovery has 
been kept in confinement there because he was a Union 
man. He is certainly the greatest curiosity I have 
seen in the town, and his history, if it could be known, 
would no doubt be highly interesting. 

The Standard and Progress are to be continued, and 
will probably issue their first number under Union 
auspices to-morrow. Both will be published by their 
former editors. 



Saturday, April 15, 1865, 



Brooklyn, N. Y. 



Mrs. John lyler, the widow of 
Ap^nr/s,' fses.' the ex-President, is, as is well 

known, a native of this State, 
and now resides near Factoryville, Staten Island. She 
has never disguised her sympathy with the Rebels, but, 
on the contrary, has permitted no opportunity to escape 
her of proclaiming it, even in church, protesting, by 
rising from her knees, against the prayers for the Presi- 
dent of the United States. It being well known that 
the Rebel flag was draped over her parlor mantle-piece, 
this evening several young gentlemen — none of them 
over eighteen years of age — considering that if, at such 
a time as this, the flag was not voluntarily put out of 
sight Mrs. Tyler should be reminded that some decent 
respect was due to public opinion, waited upon her for 
that purpose. Two of them, sons of neighbors and well 
known to her, entered the parlor, when one of them 
said : 

"Madam, I beg pardon for disturbing you, but we 
have called to ask for the Secession flag you have in 
your possession." 

"There is no such flag here," replied Mrs. Tyler. 

" I beg pardon again," said the young gentleman, 
courteously, " but such a flag, if I am not mistaken, 
hangs over your parlor mantle-piece." 

Mrs. Tyler again denied that she had any such flag, 
but added : "You can look for yourself." 

The young man did look for himself, and found the 
flag where he expected. Deliberately mounting a 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 247 

chair, he carefully took it down folded it up, and step- 
ping back into the other room once more apologized 
for the necessity of his intrusion, and bowed himself 
out with his companion. There was no attempt to in- 
terfere with the bold striplings by the three or four 
grown men who were present. One of them, indeed, 
left the room and went up stairs with the intention, 
the visitors supposed, of getting a weapon. The 
spokesman, on observing it, only shifted a short police- 
man's club he carried, from the left to the right hand 
coat pocket. 

Some hours later a nephew of Mrs. Tyler's called 
upon the father of the young man who had walked off 
with the flag under his arm, and asked that the ''French 
flag" which the son had taken might be returned. Of 
course the father knew nothing about it, as the son had 
not taken him into his counsels, who, he preferred, 
should be free from all responsibility for his acts. The 
flag could only be called French because it is a tri- 
color, while its field with seven stars conclusively 
settled its character. It was lodged in a place of 
safety. 



The Rebel General Ewell passed 
New York, N. Y., throuQfh the city early this morn- 

AprlMB, 1865. . ^ , . \l t^^ ttt 

' mg, on his way to Fort Warren. 

While breakfasting at the Soldiers' Rest, on Fourth 
avenue, he was told of the assassination of Mr. 
Lincoln, and not only expressed his deep regret, but 
seemed to be painfully affected by the intelligence. 



General Sherman is reported in 
Washington D^c. treaty with Toe Johnston for the 

April 15, 1865. -^ - r 1 • j • 1 

surrender of his army, and simul- 
taneously we hear of Jeff. Davis as on the wing west- 



248 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

ward, and having his quarters at Macon instead of Dan- 
ville, whence he issued that last proclamation which 
announced his "re-occupation" of Virginia. Both 
accounts are probably true. Johnston is a soldier and 
knows that his work as a soldier is done — that further 
resistance is not war — that he has no military resource 
but to follow the example of his general-in-chief. 
Besides which, it is understood that Lee went to Dan- 
ville to advise Johnston to give up the contest. If he 
acted in good faith it is natural we should hear of Johns- 
ton's surrender and Davis's flight. Safe to say that 
the latter will never trust himself within reach of the 
defenders of the Republic. 



The capture of Mobile is one of 
/^riiiB^'i'ses.' those events which a few weeks 

ago would have been welcomed 
with joyful enthusiasm all over the North, and which 
only a few days since would have seemed an important 
success, and filled the streets with flags. But to-day, 
what is Mobile to us, or what military triumph shall 
lift up the hearts that are bowed down with the weight 
of a national sorrow? Yet even at this moment the 
possession of the last seaport save one of the Rebell- 
ious States, is a victory of value. If the fall of Mobile has 
no other efl'ect, it will accelerate the return of Alabama 
to the Union, since Mobile holds to that State the same 
position as Savannah to Georgia, Charleston to South 
Carolina, and Wilmington to North Carolina. 



At twenty minutes after seven 

'''■''"Apr*iMrl865°''''" ^'.^^^^^ ^hc President breathed 
10 o'clock a. m. his last, closing his eyes as if 

falling to sleep, and his coun- 
tenance assuming an expression of perfeqt serenity. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 249 



There were no indications of pain, and it was not 
known that he was dead until the gradually decreasing 
respiration ceased altogether. 

Surrounding the death bed of the President were 
Secretaries Stanton, Welles and Usher, Attorney-Gen- 
eral Speed, Postmaster-General Dennison, M. B. Field, 
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, Judge Otto, As- 
sistant Secretary of the Interior, General Halleck, Gen- 
eral Meigs, Senator Sumner, R. F. Andrews of New 
York, General Todd of Dakota, John Hay, Private Sec- 
retary, Governor Oglesby of Illinois, General Farns- 
worth, Mrs. and Miss Kenney, Miss Harris, Captain 
Robert Lincoln, son of the President, and Doctors E. 
W. Abbott, R. K. Stone, C. D. Gatch, Neal Hall and 
Mr. Lieberman. Secretary McCulloch remained with 
the President until about five o'clock, and Chief Justice 
Chase, after several hours' attendance during the night, 
returned early this morning. 

Immediately after the President's death, a Cabinet 
meeting was called by Secretary Stanton, and held in 
the room in which the corpse lay. Secretaries Stanton, 
Welles and Usher, Postmaster General Dennison and 
Attorney General Speed were present. The results of 
the conference are unknown. 

The President's body was removed from the pri- 
vate residence opposite Ford's Theater to the Exec- 
utive Mansion this morning at half past nine o'clock, 
in a hearse wrapped in the American flag. It was es- 
corted by a small guard of cavalry, General Augur and 
other military officers following on foot. 

A dense crowd accompanied the remains to the White 
House, where a military guard excluded the crowd, al- 
lowing none but persons of the household and personal 
friends of the deceased to enter the premises, Senator 
Yates and Representative Farnsworth being among the 
number admitted. 

The body has been embalmed, with a view to its re- 
moval to Illinois. 



250 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Flags over the Departments and throughout the city 
are at half mast. Scarcely any business is being trans- 
acted anywhere, either on private or public account. 

Our citizens, without any preconcert whatever, are 
draping their premises with festoons of mourning. 

The bells are tolling mournfully. All is the deepest 
gloom and sadness. Strong men weep in the streets. 
The grief is wide spread and deep, and in strange con- 
trast to the joy so lately manifested over our recent 
military victories. 

This is indeed a day of gloom. 

The Government Departments are closed by order, 
and will be draped with the usual emblems of mourn- 
ing. 

The roads leading to and from the city are guarded 
by the military, and the utmost circumspection is ob- 
served as to all attempting to enter or leave the city. 



An autopsy was held at eleven 
Washington, D. c, o'clock this momiug of the Pres- 

Aprii 15, 1865. idcut's body by Surgeon General 

Barnes, aided by a number of as- 
sistants. On examination, the ball, which, as has been 
stated, entered the back of the head, near the base of the 
brain was found to have taken a direct course toward 
the right eye, the orbital bone of which it struck, and re- 
bounding lodged several inches from the surface. 

The ball was found to have been flattened, and re- 
sembled in shape the canteen commonly carried by the 
soldiers. The orifice in the back of the head is perfectly 
round and the skull unfracture'd, so close was the mur- 
derer when he fired the fatal shot. The circular piece 
of skull was taken from the head one and a half inches 
from the orifice. 

The piece, together with the Derringer pistol left 
behind by the assassin, and the bullet, were duly sealed 
and deposited in the War Department. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 251 

The corpse of the late President was laid out in the 
room known as the "guests' room," north west wing of 
the White House. It was dressed in the suit of black 
clothes worn by him at his late inauguration. A placid 
smile rests upon his features, and the deceased seems 
to be in a calm sleep. White flowers were placed upon 
the pillow and over the breast. 

The corpse of the President was to be laid out in 
state in the east room on Tuesday, in order to give the 
public an opportunity to see once more the features of 
him they loved so well. 

The catafalque upon which the body will rest is to 
be placed in the south part of the east room, and is 
somewhat similar in style to that used on the occasion 
of the death of President Harrison. Steps will be 
placed at the side to enable the public to mount to a 
position to get a perfect view of the face. The cata- 
falque will be lined with fluted white satin, and on the 
outside it will be covered with black cloth and black 
velvet. 

The funeral car, which is being prepared for the oc- 
casion, is to be a magnificent affair. It is to be built 
on a hearse body. The extreme length will be four- 
teen feet. The body of the car will be covered with 
black cloth, from which will hang large festoons of 
cloth on the sides and ends, gathered and fastened by 
large rosettes of white and black satin over bows of 
white and black velvet. The bed of the car on which 
the coffin will rest will be eight feet from the ground, 
in order to give a full view of the coffin, and over this 
will rise a canopy, the supports of which will be drap- 
ed with black cloth and velvet. The top of the car 
will be decorated with plumes. The car will be drawn 
^ by six or eight horses, each led by a groom. 

It was ascertained, some weeks ago, from personal 
friends of the late President, that he had received sev- 
eral private letters warning him that an attempt would 
probably be made upon his life. But to this he did not 



252 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

seem to attach much if any importance. It has always 
been thought that he was not sufficiently careful of his 
individual safety on his last visit to Virginia. 

It is known that on frequent occasions he would start 
from the Executive Mansion for his summer country 
residence at the Soldiers' Home without the usual cav- 
alry escort, which often hurried and overtook him be- 
fore he had proceeded far. It has always been under- 
stood that this escort was accepted by him only on the 
importunity of his friends as a matter of precaution. 

The President before retiring to bed would, when 
important military events were progressing, visit the 
War Department, generally alone, passing over the 
dark intervening ground even at late hours on repeated 
occasions ; and after the warning letters had been re- 
ceived, several close and intimate friends, armed for 
any emergency, were careful that he should not con- 
tinue his visits without their company. For himself 
the President seemed to have no fears. 



Major General Augur, command- 
Washington, D. c, ing the Department of Washing- 

April 15, 1365. ^ ^ . ^„ , -, ^r 

9 : 40 O'clock a. m. tou, has offered a reward ot 

ten thousand dollars to the 
party or parties arresting the murderer of the Presi- 
dent, and the assassin of the Secretary of State and 
his son. 

It is now ascertained with reasonable certainty that 
two assassins were engaged in the horrible crime, Wil- 
kes Booth being the one that shot the President, and 
the other a companion of his whose name is not known, 
but whose description is so clear that he can hardly 
escape. It appears from a letter found in Booth's 
trunk that the murder was planned before the 4th of 
March, but fell through then because the accomplice 
backed out until ''Richmond could be heard from." 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 253 

The Rebel assassin is described by the colored porter 
on duty at the entrance door of the house as a man in 
light pantaloons, and dark frock coat, buttoned up, 
about the size, to use his own words, of Mr. George 
K. Baker. 

He represented that he was sent by Doctor Verdi 
with a prescription of medicine for Secretary Seward, 
which he was told to deliver personally, with the doc- 
tor's instructions how it should be taken. The party 
declined to admit him, a parley ensued, and full five 
minutes passed before the assassin effected admission 
into the house. 

With a directness of walk which would indicate a 
knowledge of the house, he went straight up to the 
Secretary's bedroom and entered it. 

The character of physician was instantly thrown off, 
and that of a determined murderer put on. There were 
four persons in the room: Major Augustus Seward, 
Miss Fanny Seward, the Secretary's daughter, a hired 
man nurse, and the chief messenger of the State Depart- 
ment, also acting as nurse. 

The Secretary lay in bed on his back; the assassin 
jumped on the bed and endeavored to cut the throat 
of his victim. 

He inflicted three different wounds upon it. While 
engaged in it the man nurse had flung himself upon 
his bed and thrown his arms around him and striven to 
pull him off" the bed. 

The murderer instantly reversed the action of his 
knife, and stabbed and cut quickly over his shoulder, 
and drove the nurse off his back. He then sprang from 
the bed and engaged in a fight for escape with all that 
opposed him. 

He stabbed the chief messenger dangerously in the 
breast, stabbed Major Seward in the arm and beat him 
over the head and face with a heavy pistol and disabled 
him, and attacked Frederick Seward, who had entered 
the room from an adjoining chamber, and gave him a 



254 '^H^ LAST I^^OUR WKEKS OF THE WAR. 

scalp wound with his knife, which, strange to say, com- 
menced at the forehead, passed over the top of the 
head, and extended part way down the back of the 
head, and then struck him, either with the pistol or a 
slung-shot, a heavy blow, which knocked him down in- 
sensible. 

The way of escape was clear, the assassin ran down 
stairs, mounted his horse and rode rapidly away. 

The Secretary's throat has three distinct gashes; no 
artery has been severed, and although much effusion of 
blood has taken place, and a terrible shock given to his 
enfeebled system, hopes are entertained of his re- 
covery. 

Frederick Seward sustained a fracture of the skull. 
Portions of bone have been removed from the wound. 
The unfavorable symptoms of stupefaction and vomit- 
ing ensued upon the injury, and have characterized his 
condition during the night. 

Major Seward is about this morning, one arm in a 
sling and his head and face bandaged. 

The department messenger is considered to be dan- 
gerously wounded. The hired nurse's wounds, 
although numerous, are not serious. 

The assassin is said to have been traced by the horse 
he rode, and which was hired from a livery stable here, 
to, the Long Bridge, and over into Virginia. Both the 
man and his crime are the slave power. 



The gloomiest day in our nation- 
New York, N. Y„ al history dawned upon us this 
April 15, 1865. moming, and dark days have not 
been unfrequent during the last 
five years. 
The astounding news that President Lincoln had 
been basely assassinated by a desperate Rebel, while 
sitting, oblivious of danger, in a theater at Washington 



THE LAST P'^OUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 255 

on Friday night, and that an assault, with similar dead- 
ly intent, had been made a few minutes later upon Sec- 
retary Seward, while lying helpless on his bed, shocked, 
mortified and exasperated the entire Northern people 
on Saturday. At first there were many who, in spite 
of telegraphic information to the contrary, hoped that 
the injuries of the President would not prove fatal. 
But a few hours later came the darker intelligence 
that the blow of the assasssin had been sure — that our 
wise, good, noble, generous President was indeed no 
more. 

The excitement everywhere was intense. There 
was but one expression of sentiment — that of the deep- 
est sorrow at the loss of a wise chieftain and excellent 
man, mingled with horror, indignation and exasperation 
against his assassin, as well as against all the leaders of 
this accursed Rebellion, who are, of course, more or less 
directly implicated in the foul murder. A general gloom 
seemed to pervade the entire community. Not only 
genuine loyalists, who had loved and honored the mur- 
dered chieftain, but thousands who had never given 
him a hearty support, were horror-stricken and incensed. 
We did not see a smiling face as we walked down 
Broadway, but everywhere could read in the bent brows 
and firm pressed lips of the moving throng regret, indig- 
nation and vengeance. 

At an early hour in the morning the hundreds of flags 
and streamers, which on the previous day fluttered so 
victoriously in the sunshine as indicative of a nation's 
jubilation, were slowly and sadly disappearing, one by 
one, only to reappear again dismally hung with sable 
streamers, as significant of the awful cloud which had 
so swiftly gathered in the sky (but yesterday so bright 
and blue!) and descended upon the Nation. Before 
noon every banner bore the ominous black accompani- 
ments; the fronts of most of our public buildings and 
many private residences were also draped in the same 
melancholy livery ; the flags on the shipping were all 



256 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 



lowered to half-mast, and the sorrow deepened as it 
grew apace. 

The same feeling was probably manifested in every 
locality to which the mournful intelligence could be 
transmitted by telegraph. 

In Brooklyn, Jersey City, Newark and other towns 
and cities in the vicinity, the sentiment is identical. 
If the expressions of sorrow are profound and lamenta- 
ble, the curses against the assassin and his abettors are 
no less loud and deep. 

'' No more compromise ! No more forgiveness!" is 
the one earnest expression upon thousands of quivering 
lips. ''We have but one thing for all the Rebel leaders 
now — a dog's death by the gallows-tree ! It shall be 
war to the knife hereafter." 

On the receipt of the intelligence of the President's 
assassination in this city. Mayor Gunther immediately 
issued a proclamation recommending the suspension of 
business, and that public mourning for our departed 
Chief Magistrate be observed. The Common Council 
met, passed resolutions expressive of sorrow at the 
National bereavement, directed that their chambers 
and the public buildings and offices be draped in mourn- 
ing for thirty days, and adjourned, without transacting 
any business. The Board of Supervisors passed resolu- 
tions testifying their sorrow and respect, and likewise 
immediately adjourned. In all the Courts similar pro- 
ceedings occurred. 

Dispatches narrating the thrilling events at Wash- 
ington were received in this city from the State Depart- 
ment and immediately forwarded to the American Min- 
ister at London via steamer from Portland. 

Collector issued an order closing the Custom House, 
except for the clearance of vessels, and announcing to 
the employes that it would be in order to wear crape 
upon the left arm for thirty days, as an emblem of re- 
spect of the deceased President. 

Major General Peck issued an order from the head- 



'THK LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 257 

quarters of the Department of the Bast, directing guns 
to be fired every half hour at each camp and post on the 
day following the receipt of the order, and that the 
National colors be hoisted daily from sunrise to sunset 
at half-mast until after the occurrence of the funeral 
obsequies. 

The Chamber of Commerce and Produce Exchange 
met and passed resolutions condemnatory of the out- 
rage which had stricken down the official head of the 
Republic, pledging their undivided support to his Con- 
stitutional successor, and tendering their warmest sym- 
pathy in their bereavement and affliction to the families 
of the late President and of the Secretary of State. 
Both Boards adjourned without transacting any busi- 
ness, as did also the Stock Exchange, the Petroleum 
and other Boards. 



This letter was in the possession 
PJ-'^.f^'P*^'^' r^' of John S. Clarke, a brother-in- 

April 15, 1865. ir-o^t, t^- U JJ.. 

Booth's Letter. -^^w ol Booth. It was handed to 

Honorable William Millward, 
United States Marshal, after the news of the assassin- 
ation of President Lincoln. The envelope was sealed 
and held " for safe keeping," and was opened when it 
was heard that J. Wilkes Booth was the assassin : 

- — — , , 1864. 

My Dear Sir: You may use this as you think best. 
But as some may wish to know zvhen^ who and why^ and 
as I know not how to direct, I give it (in the words of 
your master), 
" To WHOM IT may concern :" 

Right or wrong, God judge me, not man. For, be my 
motive good, or bad, of one thing I am sure, the lasting 
condemnation of the North. 

I love peace more than life. Have loved the Union 
beyond expression. For four years have I waited, 



258 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

hoped and prayed for the dark clouds to break, and for 
a restoration of our former sunshine. To wait longer 
would be a crime. All hope for peace is dead. My 
prayers have proved as idle as my hopes. God's will 
be done. I go to see and share the bitter end. 

I have ever held the South were right. The very 
nomination of Abraham Lincoln, four years ago, spoke 
plainly, war — war upon Southern rights and institu- 
tions. His election proved it. "Await an overt act." 
Yes, till you are bound and plundered. What folly ! 
The South was wise. Who thinks of argument or pa- 
tience when the finger of his enemy presses on the 
trigger? In d. foreign war I, too, could say, " country, 
right or wrong." But in a struggle such as ours (where 
the brother tries to pierce the brother's heart), for God's 
sake, choose the right. When a country like this 
S'^yxxns justice from her side she forfeits the allegiance 
of every honest freeman, and should leave him, untram- 
meled by any fealty soever, to act as his conscience 
may approve. 

People of the North, to hate tyranny, to love liberty 
and justice, to strike at wrong and oppression, was the 
teaching of our fathers. The study of our early history 
will not let 7ne forget it, and may it never. 

This country was formed for the white^ not for the 
black man. And looking upon African Slavery from 
the same stand-point held by the noble framers of our 
Constitution, I, for one, have ever considered it one of 
the greatest blessings (both for themselves and us) that 
God ever bestowed upon a favored nation. Witness 
heretofore our wealth and power ; witness their eleva- 
tion and enlightenment above their race elsewhere. 
I have lived among it the most of my life, and have seen 
less harsh treatment from master to man than I have 
beheld in the North from father to son. Yet, Heaven 
knows, no one would be willing to do more for the negro 
race than I, could I but see a way to still better their 
condition. 



THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 259 



But Lincoln's policy is only preparing the way for 
their total annihilation. The South are not^ 7ior have 
they been fighting for the continuance of Slavery. The 
first battle of Bull Run did away with that idea. Their 
causes since for war have been as 7ioble and greater far 
than those that urged our fathers on. Even should we 
allow they were wrong at the beginning of this contest, 
cruelty and injustice have made the wrong become the 
rights and they stand now ( before the wonder and ad- 
miration of the world ) as a noble band of patriotic he- 
roes. Hereafter, reading of their deeds^ Thermopylae 
will be forgotten. 

When I aided in the capture and execution of John 
Brown, (who was a murderer on our Western border, 
and who was fairly tried and convicted^ before an im- 
partial judge and jury, of treason, and who, by the way, 
has since been made a god), I was proud of my little 
share in the transaction, for I deemed it my duty and 
that I was helping our common country to perform an 
act of justice. But what was a crime in poor John 
Brown is now considered ( by themselves ) as the great- 
est and only virtue of the whole Republican party. 
Strange transmigration ! Vice to become a virtue^ simply 
because 7nore indulge in it. 

I thought then, as now, that the Abolitionists were 
the only traitors in the land, and that the entire party 
deserved the same fate of poor old Brown, not because 
they wish to abolish Slavery, but on account of the 
means they have ever endeavored to use to effect that 
abolition. If Brown were living I doubt whether he 
himself vfO\x\& set Slavery against the Union. Most or 
many in the North do, and openly curse the Union, if 
the South are to return and retain a siiigle right guar- 
anteed to them by every tie which we once revered as 
sacred. The South can make no choice. It is either 
extermination or Slavery for themselves (worse than 
death ) to draw from. I know my choice. 

I have also studied hard to discover upon what 



26o THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

grounds the right of a State to secede has been denied, 
when our very name, United States, and the Declara- 
tion of Independence, both provide for Secession. But 
there is no time for words. I write in haste. I know 
how foolish I shall be deemed for undertaking such a 
step as this, where, on the one side, I have many 
friends and everything to make me happy, where my 
profession alone has gained me an income of 7nore than 
twenty thousand dollars a year, and where my great 
personal amibition in my profession has such a great 
field for labor. On the other hand, the South have 
never bestowed upon me one kind word ; a place 
now where I have no friends, except beneath the 
sod ; a place where I must either become a pri- 
vate soldier or a beggar. To give up all the former 
for the latter^ besides my mother and sisters whom I 
love so dearly (although they so widely differ with me 
in opinion), seems insane ; but God is my judge. I 
love justice more than I do a country that disowns it ; 
more than fame and wealth ; more (Heaven pardon me 
if wrong) than a happy home. I have never been upon 
a battle-field ; but O, my countrymen, could you all 
but see the reality or effects of this horrid war, as I have 
seen them (in every State ^ save Virginia), I know you 
would think like me, and would pray the Almighty 
to create in the Northern mind a sense of right 
and justice (even should it possess no seasoning of 
mercy), and that He would dry up this sea of 
blood iDetween us, which is daily growing wider. 
Alas ! Poor country, is she to meet her threatened 
doom ? Four years ago I would have given a thousand 
lives to see her remain (as I had always known her) 
powerful and unbroken. And even now I would hold 
my life as naught to see her what she was. O my 
friends, if the fearful scenes of the past four years had 
never been enacted, or if what has been had been but a 
frightful dream, from which we could now awake, with 
what overflowing hearts could we bless our God and 
pray for His continued favor. How I have loved the 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 261 

old flag can never now be known. A few years since 
and the entire world could boast of none so pure and 
spotless. But I have of late been seeing and hearing 
of the bloody deeds which she has been made the emblem^ 
and would shudder to think how changed she had 
grown. O how I have longed to see her break from the 
mist of blood and death that circles round her folds, 
spoiling her beauty and tarnishing her honor. But no ; 
day by day has she been dragged deeper and deeper 
into cruelty and oppression, till now (in my eyes) her 
once bright red stripes look like bloody gashes on the 
face of Heaven. I look now upon my early admiration 
of her glories as a dream. My love (as things stand 
to-day) is for the South alone. Nor do I deem it a dis- 
honor in attempting to make for her a prisoner of this 
man, to whom she owes so much of misery. If success 
attends me, I go penniless to her side. They say she 
has found that " last ditch " which the North have so 
long derided, and been endeavoring to force her in, for- 
getting they are our brothers, and that it's impolitic to 
goad an enemy to madness. Should I reach her in 
safety and find it true, I will proudly beg permission to 
triumph or die in that same '' ditch " by her side. 

A Confederate, doing duty upon his own responsi- 
bility, 

J. Wilkes Booth. 



Sunday, April 16, 1865. 



Yesterday morning Attorney 
Washington, D. c, General Speed waited upon the 

April 16, 1865. the Honorable Andrew Johnson, 

Vice President of the United 
States, and officially informed him of the sudden and un- 
expected decease of President Lincoln, and stated that an 
early hour might be appointed for the inauguration of 
his successor. The following is a copy of communica- 
tion referred to : 

Washington City, April 15, 1865. 
To Andrew Johnson, Vice President of the United 
States. 

Sir : Abraham Lincoln, President of the United 
States, was shot by an assassin last evening at Ford's 
Theater, in this city, and died at the hour of 7:22 
o'clock. At about the same time at which the Presi- 
dent was shot, an assassin entered the sick chamber of 
the Honorable W. H. Seward, Secretary of State, and 
stabbed him in several places in the throat, neck and 
face, severely if not mortally wounding him. Other 
members of the Secretary's family were dangerously 
wounded by the assassin while making his escape. By 
the death of President Lincoln the office of President 
has devolved, under the Constitution, upon you. The 
emergency of the Government demands that you should 
immediately qualify according to the requirements of 
the Constitution and enter upon the duties of President 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 263 

of the United States. If you will please make known 
your pleasure, such arrangements as you deem proper 
will be made. 

Your obedient servants, 
Hugh McCulloch, 

Secretary of the Treasury. 
Edwin M. Stanton, 

Secretary of War. 
Gideon Welles, 

Secretary of the Navy. 
William Dennison, 

Postmaster General. 
J. P. Usher, 

Secretary of the Interior. 
James Speed, 

Attorney General. 
Mr. Johnson requested that the ceremonies take 
place at his rooms at the Kirkwood House, in this city, 
at ten o'clock in the morning. 

The Hon. Salmon P. Chase, Chief Justice of the 
United States, was notified of the fact, and desired to 
be in attendance to administer the oath of office. 

At the above named hour the following gentlemen 
assembled in the Vice President's room to participate 
in the ceremony: The Hon. Salmon P. Chase, the 
Hon. Hugh McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury ; Mr. 
Attorney General Speed, F. P. Blair, Sr., the Hon. 
Montgomery Blair, Senator Foot, of Vermont, Yates, 
of Illinois, Ramsey, of Minnesota, Stewart, of Nevada, 
Hale, of New Hampshire, and General Farnsworth, of 
Illinois. 

After the presentation of the above letter, the 
Chief Justice administered the following oath to Mr. 
Johnson : 

"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully| execute 
the office of President of the United States, and will, 
to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend 
the Constitution of the United State^." 



264 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

After receiving the oath and being declared Presi- 
dent of the United States, Mr. Johnson remarked : 

''Gentlemen: I must be permitted to say that I 
have been almost overwhelmed by the -announcement 
of the sad event which has so recently occurred. I feel 
incompetent to perform duties so important and re- 
sponsible as those which have been so unexpectedly 
thrown upon me. As to an indication of my policy 
which may be pursued by me in the administration of 
the Government, I have to say that that must be 
left for development as the administration progresses. 
The message or declaration must be made by the acts 
as they transpire. The only assurance that I can now 
give of the future is reference to the past. The course 
which I have taken in the past in connection with this 
Rebellion must be regarded as a guarantee of the future. 
My past public life, which has been long and laborious, 
has been founded, as I in good conscience believe upon 
a great principal of right, which lies at the basis of all 
things. The best energies of my life have been spent 
in endeavoring to establish and perpetuate the princi- 
ples of free government, and I believe that the Govern- 
ment, in passing through its present perils, will settle 
down upon principles consonant with popular rights, 
more permanent and enduring than heretofore. I must 
be permitted to say, if I understand the feelings of my 
own heart, I have long labored to ameliorate and ele- 
vate the condition of the great mass of the American 
people. Toil and an honest advocacy of the great prin- 
ciples of free government have been my lot. The 
duties have been mine — the consequences are God's. 
This has been the foundation of my political creed. I 
feel that in the end the Government will triumph, and 
that these great principles will be permanently estab- 
lished. In conclusion, gentlemen, let me say that I 
want your encouragement and countenance. I shall 
ask and rely upon you and others in carrying the Gov- 
ernment through its present perils. I feel iu making 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 265 

this request that it will be heartily responded to by you 
and all other patriots and lovers of the rights and inter- 
ests of a free people." 

At the conclusion of the above remarks the President 
received the kind wishes of the friends by whom he 
was surrounded. 



News reaches us that a flag of 

"Triue'TseB^^ ' truce has been received from Im- 

boden's Rebel forces, consisting 

of two regiments, proposing to surrender on the same 

terms granted Lee's army. 

The Rebel General Rosser, on hearing of Lee's sur- 
render, declared his determination to fight it out, but 
was deserted by his men, and he started to join John- 
ston in North Carolina. 



Monday, April 17, 1865. 



On Monday, the loth instant, 
Raleigh, N. c, ^g brokc camp and marched by 

April 17, 1855. . . -^ , , -^ 

Union Account. a circuitous route over a low 

swampy country to Pikesville, 
corduroying the roads for nearly half the distance. 
The Fourth Division of the Fifteenth Corps having, 
been in rear of the command, did not get into camp 
until near four o'clock the following morning, very 
much fatigued and soaked through with rain, but in 
the most admirable spirits. Pikesville is a station 
on the Weldon Railroad, and has a small settlement 
of some half-dozen houses which are inhabited by 
what are commonly known in the South as " the 
poor white trash." 

From Pikesville the command marched on Tuesday 
morning to Lowell Factory, the rear of the column 
getting into camp at about ten o'clock that night. 
The Rebels tore up the planking of the bridge over 
Little River, expecting thereby to delay the march 
of our army. The damage, however, was easily re- 
paired, and did not delay the command for over an 
hour ; they would probably have done more damage to 
the bridge had they not been prevented by the timely 
arrival of the mounted infantry, who rapidly drove 
them away. The First Division of the Fifteenth 
Corps, under the command of General Hazen, was in 
the advance of the Corps, and deserve great credit for 
the speedy manner in which they repaired the bridge 
and removed all the obstructions on the road. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 267 

Lowell Factory, from which the place derives its 
name, is owned by a Quaker, and is a small settlement 
of about seventy-five inhabitants, consisting principally 
of women and children, who are all employed as opera- 
tives in the cotton factory. 

While waiting at Lowell Factory for the repairing of 
the roads toward Smithfield, the glorious news of the 
surrender of Lee's Army was officially communicated 
to the Command, and produced the wildest excitement. 

The Fourth Division of the Fifteenth Corps were 
summoned together by their gallant commander. Major 
General John M. Corse, and after the playing of sever- 
al national and patriotic airs by the band, the whole 
command joined in singing " John Brown," and the 
" Star Spangled Banner," with a zest which has sel- 
dom been equaled, and never excelled. 

After repeated calls for General Corse, their gallant 
and popular leader, he was induced to come forward 
and address them, which he did in a short, eloquent 
and inspiring speech^ reminding his listeners " That 
there was yet a man named Johnston in the field, 
commanding a ragged mob commonly known as the 
Confederate Army of the West, and that by patient 
perseverance and a few more miles of corduroying, he 
would be brought to bay and forced also to surrender 
his command." General Corse's remarks were loudly 
applauded, and he was in turn followed by General 
Rice, commanding a Brigade of the Fourth Division. 

After this grand jubilee was over, the bugle sounded 
the assembly, and the men fell into the ranks and 
marched forward with the utmost spirit and enthusi- 
asm. On Wednesday night the Fifteenth Corps 'en- 
camped at Pineville, and the Seventh Corps, after 
crossing the Neuse River at Watson's Bridge, encamp- 
ed for the night, and the next day moved forward to 
within a short distance of Raleigh. The Fifteenth 
Corps, in the meantime, advanced on the east side of 
the Neuse River by Bagle Rock, crossing at Hinton's 



268 THK LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Bridge and marching to within five miles of Raleigh, 
into which place they made their triumphal entry to- 
day at about ten o'clock, and were reviewed, together 
with the Seventeenth Corps, by Major General Sher- 
man and Major General Howard, and their respective 
staffs, in front of the State House or Capitol Biiildings. 

Generals Sherman and Howard took their position 
on the south side of the capitol building and immedi- 
ately in front of the bronze statue of Washington. 

The different divisions composing the Army of the 
Tennessee marched " by column of companies right in 
front," bands playing, drums beating and colors flying, 
and presented a most imposing spectacle, with their 
tattered and ragged battle-flags which they had hero- 
ically carried on battle-fields far too numerous to men- 
tion. 

What a grand and glorious spectacle to witness ! In 
eight hours and a half one continuous, almost never 
ceasino^ flow of men, and such men as are seldom seen 
in any army in the world. Strong, stout, athletic vet- 
erans, who have stood the shock of battle, and come 
out proud victors on innumerable battle-fields, from 
Fort Donelson, Tennessee, to Raleigh, North Carolina, 
their dead but never-to-be-forgotten heroes who sleep 
in the soldier's grave, on many well-fought battle-fields, 
strew the line of march, and bear undying testimony to 
their valor and devotion to the cause in which they all 
embarked. God bless them ! May their memories 
ever be green in the hearts of their countrymen! 

Some forty-six railroad cars and several engines 
were captured by Kilpatrick's cavalry, together with 
several thousand prisoners, some of whom have volun- 
tarily come inside of our lines and given themselves up 
after becoming convinced of the utter hopelessness of 
their cause. 

Johnston's Army, which retreated the day before 
our advance arrived here, is known to number from 
twenty to twenty-five thousand men. Some of his 



T'HE: I.AST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 269 

command retreated through Hillsborough to Greens- 
borough, but the main portion of his army is known to 
be encamped this side of Greensborough, which is the 
junction of the Raleigh and Richmond railroad, at 
which place JefF. Davis is known to be. 

Governor Vance left this towm a few hours before 
the arrival of our advance. It is stated by good author- 
ity that he is desirous of returning inside the lines and 
surrendering the State to General Sherman. If this 
be so General Sherman will give him every protection, 
and is really anxious that he should return and con- 
vene the Legislature, a majority of which are known 
to be loyal men. 

It is expected that Sheridan's, Stoneman's and Kil- 
patrick's Cavalries will form a junction some time with- 
in the next five days, and hold Johnston in check until 
this army can come up with him and deliver the final 
blow to the Rebellion which has for nearly four years 
cursed this fair land. The citizens here all express a de- 
sire, now that Lee has surrendered his army, that John- 
ston will do the same thing and put an end to this desolat- 
ing war. It is questionable whether or not he has 
heart and sense sufficient to take this view of the sub- 
ject. 

It is stated on good authority that the cavalry be- 
longing to Lee's army have nearly all succeeded in 
making a junction with Wheeler and Wade Hampton, 
and that the united cavalry force of the enemy now 
in our front numbers at least ten thousand men. It is 
also rumored, but not generally credited, that a num- 
ber of stragglers from the Rebel Army of Northern 
Virginia have made their appearance inside of John- 
ston's lines and have been pressed into the ranks of his 
army. 

The guerrilla chief Major Walker 
Louisville, Ky., Taylor, Captain Taylor, and five 

April 17, 1865. of his men, who surrendered 

themselves to Dr. Owens, a 



270 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

member of the Kentucky Legislature, under the late 
order of General Palmer, arrived here to-day. 



A large body of guerrillas have 

Washington, D. c, been hoveriug along the opposite 

April 17,1865. bank of the Potomac the past 

few days. Our forces have had 

one spirited skirmish with them, in which we drove 

them after an obstinate resistance. It is supposed they 

came there to cover the retreat of the Washington 

assassins. 

Secretary Seward's symptoms are much improved 
from this forenoon. He sat up in bed and had the 
papers read to him. Frederick Seward recovered his 
consciousness this afternoon so far as to recognize his 
wife. 

Numerous arrests of indiscrete or suspected parties 
have taken place to-day. They cause much excitement. 
Reports prevail that Surratt is among the number, but 
this is not true. 

Information has been received by the Government 
from General Sherman that he was in communication 
with General Johnston with a view to the surrender of 
the latter. 

General Sherman would offer the same terms that 
General Grant did to General Lee, and it was supposed 
they would be accepted. 



Quite an interesting event took 
Army of the Potomac. place at headquarters this morn- 

Burkesville Junction, Va., f ^^ai o* ^1 /-> 1 

Apri!i7,i865. ^g. The Sixth Corps havmg 

taken eighteen flags during the 

recent short campaign, it was arranged that the men 

who captured them, accompanied by their commands, 

should march to the vicinity of General Meade's quar- 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 27 1 

ters, and there turn in the colors taken from the Rebels. 
General Meade addressed these heroes in an appropri- 
ate speech, in which he thanked them individually for 
their gallantry, and the entire corps for the important 
part they had performed in being the first to break 
through the enemy's line at Petersburg, as well as for 
their conduct in pursuing and aiding in the utter de- 
feat and capture of the principal army of the Confed- 
eracy. In conclusion. General Meade announced that 
every man who had taken a flag should have a furlough 
for thirty days, and that each one should carry his own 
and present it to the War Department at Washington. 
The scene was brilliant, and much enjoyed by all who 
witnessed it. 

The announcement of the assassination of Mr. Lin- 
coln and Mr. Seward and his son was received through- 
out this army with the utmost sorrow. Every man 
seemed to think it the greatest calamity that could have 
possibly happened just at this time. Should the assassins 
be found and turned over to the army to be dealt with 
their punishment would be swift and sure, and such 
as to strike into the heart of every sympathizer with 
treason in the United States. The citizens living in 
the country here express their deep regret at the oc- 
currence, and think it the worst thing that could pos- 
sibly have happened for the Southern people just at 
this juncture. 

The larger part of this army is now concentrated at 
Burkesville Junction, and is taking a short rest after 
their recent hard work. But it is thought that a move- 
ment of the main body of troops will soon be made 
toward Petersburg and Richmond. The cavalry and 
the colored divisions of the Twenty-fifth Corps have al- 
ready gone in that direction. In fact such a change 
will have to be made in a few days, as the capacity of 
the Southside Railroad in its present condition is 
wholly inadequate to supply so many troops with 
rations and animals with forage. The latter have suf- 



272 THE LAST FOUR WE^KS OF THE WAR. 

fered much the past week, and large numbers have 
been abandoned for want of feed. The train which 
arrived this evening was thirty-two hours on the road 
from City Point to the junction, three or four engines 
having run off the track at different points. 



Mosbv surrendered his force to 
TpHiMlTsBs': General Chapman at Berryville 

to-day. The terms of surrender 
were the same as those accorded General Lee and his 
army. 



General Sherman and staff left 
Raleigh. N.c, ^^^^ Central Depot at 8 o'clock 

April 17. 1865. . . . .f. . , 

Union Account. this mommg, With an engine and 

two cars, for Durham's Station, to 
meet General Johnston. None but his staff accom- 
panied him. 

The train which bore General Sherman to the front 
to receive the surrender of Johnston's army had been 
gone less than an hour, when the telegraph flashed to 
General Howard's headquarters the horrible and as- 
tounding news of the assassination of the President of 
the United States, and the fatal wounding of Mr. Seward 
and his son. For the greater part of the forenoon, the 
dreadful tidings were suppressed, and only known to a 
few persons immediately about headquarters ; but by 
degrees it began to circulate about in whispers through 
the town, and though generally disbelieved, created a 
profound feeling of horror and alarm. A courier was 
immediately dispatched with the news to General Sher- 
man, who had already arrived at Durham's Station, and 
was in conference with Johnston when the messenger 
arrived. Officers hurried into town from the camps to 
learn the facts, or to verify the report. It was too dread- 



THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 273 



ful to be believed. Crowds of officers and soldiers met 
and discussed in suppressed breath the probabilities of 
its truth, and it was not until noon that the report 
could be traced to a trustworthy source — the telegraph 
operator and officers at General Howard's headquarters, 
fearing the effect of the news upon the soldiers, kept 
it quiet. A feeling of awful suspense, of horrible fore- 
boding, spread over city and camps. Officers met and 
passed in silence, scarcely daring to break the dreadful 
secret to each other. Universal gloom settled like a 
pall over the place. Sad faces were everywhere, all 
hearts were heavy, all minds appalled by the dreadful 
news of this triple murder. At General Schofield's 
headquarters and other places I have seen officers and 
men in tears, as if mourning for the loss of a father or 
beloved friend. A sorrow like that which fell upon 
Egypt when the angel of death smote the first born, 
broods over all minds. Others with clinched fists and 
firm-set teeth were calling for vengeance upon the 
whole race of traitors^ from feff. Davis down. A people 
who could conceive of such transcendent wickedness, 
and every one who can apologize for or excuse it, say 
they, ought to be blotted from the face of the earth. 

The whole current of feeling in the army has been 
changed by this crowning act of villainy — this final 
fiendish stab at the Nation's life. Brave and noble men 
who but yesterday were reading the God-like plea of 
Mr. Beecher for pardon and conciliation for the Rebels, 
and were half consenting to a general amnesty to the 
bad men who have bathed the land in blood, and 
brought so much woe upon us, to-day cry with trumpet 
tongues for justice. General Johnston on hearing the 
news declared it was the heaviest blow which has ever 
fallen upon the Confederacy. He appeared very much 
troubled by the intelligence. 

Among intelligent officers this is regarded as only the 
beginning of a reign of terror which has been long 
maturing — the opening of a bloody drama to be enacted 



274 'I'HE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

by hired assassins, in obedience to a deeply laid con- 
spiracy. That now, beaten in the open field, honorably 
defeated in war, they intend to adopt the assassin's last 
resort; and that our chief public men, and even our 
generals, are marked as victims of the bullet or the 
knife. This is the natural fruit of rebellion — the ap- 
pendix to the May mob and the firing of New York 
hotels. 

The officers and soldiers everywhere speak in terms 
of the highest admiration of the great and good man 
who has fallen. He seems to have been spared by a 
kind Providence to witness the fruit of his long and 
wearisome labors for the salvation of his country, and 
then, has mingled his blood with the thousands who 
have fallen in the struggle, in a manner to show to 
the world as no other event could teach, the fiendish 
spirit which has animated these enemies of liberty, of 
the country, and of mankind. I hear nothing but 
words of the most affectionate eulogy of the departed 
President, and earnest prayers ascend from many thou- 
sand hearts that God would disappoint the assassins, 
and yet spare the precious lives of Mr. Seward and his 
son. 



The Yankees assaulted Colum- 
Augusta, Ga bus, ou Sunday, the i6th, at 

April 17, 1865. ' i i • • i j -^i 

Confederate Account. uoou, and skirmished With our 
forces through the streets until 
sunset, when they occupied the city. 

The command of the enemy, supposed to number 
four thousand, advanced from Montgomery and de- 
stroyed the Montgomery and West Point Railroads. 

Private property at Montgomery was respected. All 
the cotton. Government stores, manufacturing estab- 
lishments, railroads and boats, were destroyed. 

Salisbury, North Carolina, was re-occupied by our 
troops on the 14th. The Yankees did not do much 
damage in the place. 



THE LASI" EOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 275 



Telegraphic lines are open to-day, but nothing has 
been received north of that place. 

The Yankee raid destroyed the depot and some roll- 
ing stock at Sumterville, South Carolina. No private 
property molested. 

The enemy then moved on Camden, where a large 
amount of stock of the South Carolina Railroad had 
been accumulated. 

General Lewis, with his Kentucky brigade, overtook 
the enemy about Camden, and after a short but spirited 
battle the Yankees were forced to retreat rapidly, being 
driven in confusion toward Georgetown. The Ken- 
tuckians pursued with alacrity. 

From Columbus papers we cull the annexed news m 
regard to the situation in Alabama : 

A large number of refugees have arrived in Colum- 
bus from Montgomerv. 

General Forrest, when last heard from, was twelve 
miles from Selma. It was thought he would cross the 
river and pursue the Yankees. 

The Yankee force is composed entirely of cavalry and 
mounted infantry, with some artillery. 

Among the refuge.es who arrived in Columbus are 
Governor Watts and other officers of the State Govern- 
ment of Alabama. They are deeply chagrined at the 
capture of their capital by six thousand Yankees, but 
feel conscious that they did all in their power to pre- 
vent it. The Governor has proceeded to Eufaula. 

A dispatch from Talladega, dated April 7, states that 
a division of Yankees from Elyton are at Montevalla ; 
a portion of them are also at Shelby Springs. Scouts 
report a body of the enemy at Ashville, taking stock, 
&c. 

It is stated that there were about eighty thousand 
bales of cotton in Montgomery, in the warehouses. This 
was burned on Tuesday evening. There was a large 
quantity of cotton scattered through the streets; whether 
this was burned also is not known. If it was, a large 



276 THK LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

part of the city must also have suffered a similar fate 
from its close proximity to the combustible material. 
That portion of the city in the neighborhood of the 
different warehouses must have sufifered, and it is hardly 
possible that the buildings adjacent could pass un- 
scathed. 

The latest telegraphic dispatch from Montgomery 
was sent from that place at half past five o'clock on 
Tuesday evening. 

Montgomery was evacuated in great confusion. 
Liquor was used freely. All commissary stores were 
distributed to the people. It is feared that much pri- 
vate property has been destroyed. 

The Columbus Times speaks of the situation as fol- 
lows : 

"Thus is the great State of Alabama abandoned to 
the mercy of six thousand or eight thousand Yankees, 
who have in their power to desolate the whole of the ter- 
ritory unopposed. It is certainly the most disgraceful 
incident of the war. Alabama will now reap the fruits 
of the policy of her Legislature in refusing the Gover- 
nor the power which he asked, of organizing her able- 
bodied population at home and compelling them to 
fight in defense of the State." 



Tuesday, April 18, 1865, 



After a two days' conference be- 
Raieigh, N. c, twcen Major General Sherman 

April 18, 1865. and Major General Joseph E. 

Johnston, commanding the Rebel 
forces east of the Mississippi River, with the concur- 
rence of Jefiferson Davis, and in the presence and with 
the advice of General John C. Breckenridge, the whole 
remaining Rebel army from the Potomac to the Rio 
Grande has been surrendered to the forces of the United 
States. 

The conference was sought by General Johnston on 
the day following the occupation of Raleigh by the 
Union Army — the 14th — a flag of truce being sent 
in, with a request for an armistice, and a statement of 
the best terms on which General Johnston would be 
permitted to surrender the army under his command. 
General Sherman sent out Colonel McCoy with his 
ultimatum, and after some two days' delay, during which 
General Johnston's efforts were somewhat embarrassed 
by the refractory and mutinous position of Wade Hamp- 
ton, of South Carolina, a personal interview took place 
between the two chiefs of the opposing armies, at Ben- 
nett's house, five miles beyond Durham's Station, on 
the North Carolina railroad, midway between the 
lines. 

The conference was strictly private, only Wade 
Hampton being present with General Johnston on the 
first day, Monday, and John C. Breckenridge taking 
Hampton's place on the second day, Tuesday. The 



278 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

only members of the Rebel staff present were Captains 
Johnston and Hampton, the latter a son of the Rebel 
South Carolinian, a chip of the old block. The generals 
were treated with in their characters as simply com- 
manders of the insurrectionary forces. The Southern 
Confederacy was not recognized, although Jefferson 
Davis was understood to be a party consenting to the 
surrender. Wade Hampton is understood to have with- 
drawn from the conference, and signified his intention, 
like the Irishman, to continue the fight on his own 
hook, which, it is devoutly hoped, he will do. If he 
and South Carolina have not enough of the war, they 
can readily be treated to another dose. 

The terms settled for the surrender are understood 
to be substantially those accorded to General Lee by 
General Grant, with this exception, that the troops of 
each State are required to march to their respective 
capitals and then turn over their arms and all the public 
property in their possession, and be paroled under the 
supervision of officers to be designated for that purpose. 
Thus, the army is to be disbanded, and each soldier is 
required to return home, and not again to take up arms 
against the Government. The officers, like those of 
General Lee's army, are permitted to carry with them 
their side-arms and private effects. These terms are 
subject to the approval of the Washington Government, 
and only go into effect upon such ratification. Mean- 
time the two armies maintain their respective positions, 
and all hostilities cease — until the return of the mes- 
senger of General Sherman, who has already proceeded 
to Washington with the stipulations, of which the fore- 
going is a brief outline. 

This sweeps from existence as an armed force against 
the Government all the Rebel troops known to the 
Confederacy, and makes outlaws and guerrillas of all 
parties who remain in arms against the constituted 
authorities : The forces of Kirby Smith west of the 
Mississippi; all the irregular cavalry and roving bands 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 279 

in Texas, Missouri and elsewhere ; the garrison at 
Mobile and at other points in Alabama and Southern 
Tennessee — all troops of whatever name and nation 
who have been ranged on the side of the Rebellion, 
whether as belonging to any recognized commander, or 
playing the guerrilla upon their own hook for private 
plunder. 

General Johnston expresses deep and apparently sin- 
cere sorrow and much concern at the assassination of 
President I^incoln, in which he was joined by each Con- 
federate officer present. General Johnston regards it 
as the most terrible blow yet inflicted upon the Con- 
federate cause, and the Southern people, and seems 
deeply to deplore the event, coming as it does upon 
the close of this great struggle. 



The Progress, of this city, con- 
Raieigh, N. c. taius the following order from 

April 18. 1865. General Sherman, following the 

announcement from Secretary 

Stanton : 
Washington, D. C, April 15 — p. m. 
Major General Sherman : 

President Lincoln was murdered about ten o'clock 
last night in his private box at Ford's Theater, in this 
city, by an assassin who shot him in the head with a 
pistol ball. About the same hour Mr. Seward's house 
was entered by another assassin, who stabbed the Sec- 
retary in several places, but it is thought he may pos- 
sibly recover, but his son, Fred, may possibly die of 
wounds received from the assassin. The assassin of the 
President leaped from the box brandishing a dagger, 
exclaiming. Sic semper tyrannis^ and that Virginia was 
revenged. Mr. Lincoln fell senseless from his seat, 
and continued in that state until 7:22 this morning, at 
which time he breathed his last. Vice President John- 



28o THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

son now becomes President and will take the oath of 
office and assume the duties to-day. 

B. M. Stanton, 
Secretary of War. 



Hdqrs. Military Division of the Mississippi 1 
In the Field, Raleigh, April 17, 1865. j 

Special Field Order, No. 50. — The General com- 
manding announces, with pain and sorrow, that on the 
nth inst., at the theater in Washington City, his Ex- 
cellency the President of the United States, Mr. Lin- 
coln, was assassinated by one who uttered the State 
motto of Virginia. At the same time the Secretary of 
State, Mr. Seward, whilst suffering from a broken arm, 
was also stabbed by another murderer in his own house, 
but still survives, and his son was wounded, supposed 
fatally. 

It is believed by persons capable of judging that 
other high officers were designed to share the same fate. 
Thus it seems that our enemy ,'despairing of meeting us 
in manly warfare, begins to resort to the assassin's tools. 
Your General does not wish you to infer that this is 
universal, for he knows that the great mass of the Con- 
federate army would scorn to sanction such acts, but 
he believes it the legitimate consequence of rebellion 
against rightful authority. We have met every phase 
which this war has assumed^ and must now be prepared 
for it in its last and worst shape^ that of assassins and 
guerrillas ; but woe unto the people who seek to expend 
their wild passions in such a manner for there is but one 
dread result. By order of 

W. T. Sherman, 
Major General. 

L. M. Dayton, 
Major and Assistant Adjutant General, 



THE L.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 281 

There is much evident anxiety among the citizens 
on account of the changed feeling in the army, and 
the crisis is now a most painful one, which is greatly 
aggravated by the delay in the surrender of Johnston's 
army. Should anything go wrong now, and negotia- 
tions fail, woe to North Carolina when this army re- 
sumes its march — woe to Rebels everywhere. 

General Sherman went back to Durham's Station at 
eight o'clock this morning to resume negotiations. 
There is no difficulty about the surrender of the Rebel 
army, but there are other and collateral questions on a 
settlement of which Johnston insists, and which Gen- 
eral Sherman hesitates to approve. It is supposed to 
cover some guarantee for the lives or pardon of Jeff. 
Davis and the chief traitors, which it is doubtful if he 
obtains. I give this only as rumor — not as official. 
Pending negotiations there is, properly, much reticence 
at headquarters. I have arrangements for giving you 
the fullest and quickest news of the result. 

The great and overshadowing calamity, however, 
will chill all enthusiasm over the event, and I doubt if 
we hear a single cheer upon the occasion from the 
troops. 



Our capture of Rebel artillery, 

Washington, D. C, . ^i . n^ -u 1 J 

April 18, 1865. since tlie I St of December last, 

may be briefly summed up as fol- 
lows: Captured by General Thomas, from the Rebel 
General Hood, in his Nashville campaign - 72 

By General Sherman, at Savannah - - 160 
By General Terry, Admiral Porter and General 
Schofield, from Fort Fisher to Wilmington, 
inclusive -_..-. 180 

By General- Gilmore, at Charleston, from Sher- 
man's flank movement _ . _ _ ^^q 
By General Sherman, en route through South 

and North Carolinas - _ - _ 85 



282 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

^ — •_ 

By General Sheridan in the Charlotteville raid, 17 

By General Grant's forces around Petersburg - 75 

Around and in Richmond - - - - ' 500 

By Canby, at Mobile 75 

By Stoneman, at Salisbury - _ - i^ 

By Wilson, at Selma . - _ _ - 22 



Grand total ----- 1^65' 



Wednesday, April 19, 1865. 



General Sherman publishes the 
Raleigh, N. c, following Order to the army: 

April 19. 1865. SPECIAL FlELD ORDERS, No. 

58. — The General Commanding 
announces to the army a suspension of hostilities, and 
an agreement with General Johnston and other high 
officials, which, when formally ratified, will make peace 
from the Potomac to the Rio Grande. 

Until the absolute peace is arranged, a line passing 
through Terrell's Mount, Chappel Hill, Mount Uni- 
versity, Durham's Station and West Point, on the 
Neuse, will separate the two armies. 

Each Army Commander will group his camps entirely 
with a view to comfort, health and good police. All 
the details of military discipline must still be main- 
tained, and the General believes that in a few days it 
will be his good fortune to conduct you to your homes. 

The fame of this army for courage, industry and dis- 
cipline is admitted all over the world. Then let^ each 
officer and man see that it is not stained by any act of 
vulgarity, rowdyism or petty crime. 

The cavalry will patrol the front line. General 
Howard will take charge of the district from Raleigh, 
up to the cavalry ; General Slocum to the left of 
Raleigh, and General Schofield in Raleigh, its right 
and rear. 

Quartermasters and Commissaries will keep their 
supplies up to a light load for their wagons, and the 



284 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 



Railroad Superintendent will arrange a depot for the 
convenience of each separate army. By order of 

W T. Sherman, 
Major General. 

L. M. Dayton, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

The order on being read to the different commands 
at evening parade, caused the greatest enthusiasm 
among the troops. 

General Schofield has issued his order for a review 
by the General in Chief of the Army of the Ohio. The 
Tenth Army Corps, Major General Terry, command- 
ing, will pass in review to-morrow, and the Twenty- 
third Army Corps on the day following. 

He makes a disposition of the troops for garrison 
duty, and appoints their different camps around the 
city. A brigade of General Ames's Division of the 
Tenth Army Corps will relieve the Twenty-third Army 
Corps on duty in the city, and, until further orders, 
constitute the garrison of the town. He closes the 
order as follews : 

"The attention of all officers and soldiers is called to 
special orders No. 58, Headquarters Middle Division of 
the Mississippi, announcing a suspension of hostilities, 
preliminary to peace throughout the land. It is the 
duty of every officer and soldier to aid in sustaining the 
honor of the army in this new relation, as they have 
so nobly done in many a bloody field. Let every one 
determine that a few individuals shall not tarnish the 
fair fame of all." 



The negotiations between Gen- 

Raieigh, N. c, crals Sherman and Johnston end 

April 19,1865. to-day. A meeting between 

Generals Johnston and Sherman 

was effected on the 17th, a few miles beyond Morris- 

ville. General Sherman left Raleigh on a special 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 285 



train, accompanied by his staff. No accidental "Bohe- 
mians" being on the spot to chronicle the performances 
we write from hearsay. I shonld not forget to say that 
a pencil-bearer for one of our illustrated journals was 
discovered by the General after the train had left Ra- 
leigh, six miles distant, and he was dropped and it is 
said made way on foot to the village. 

The General and party reached General Kilpatrick's 
headquarters, some twenty miles distant, where the 
iron horse was changed for those of flesh, and the par- 
ty, preceded by Captain Hayes of Kilpatrick's staff, 
with a small squad and a truce-flag, started, after a ride 
of nearly four miles. The truce-flag of General John- 
ston's party was met advancing to meet ours. General 
Johnston suggested that the party should ride on to 
the house of Mr. James Bennett. Generals Sherman 
and Johnston went into the house, leaving their staffs 
to entertain each other, which it is said they did. Kil- 
patrick discovered that the small man with the big 
sword was General Wade Hampton, and as is his wont 
" went for him" — more courteously than usual, howev- 
er. Hampton is described as being loud in dress and 
language. General Johnston is said to be very quiet, 
and bears the stamp of a true gentleman in his every 
movement. The officers of his staff, too, are well 
spoken of by those who met them. 

The death of the President, at this time is more than 
a misfortune. The invariable remark of the soldier is, 
" they have murdered their best friend." Some of the 
Generals have taken their guards off the houses that 
they have been protecting. 

The guards in the town have been strengthened, 
and all Fifteenth Corps men are scrutinized with a 
careful eye. The pickets in the extreme front are 
doubled, to prevent the soldiers of the advanced divis- 
ions from attacking the Rebel truce parties. If this 
army moves again, I think it is safe to say that the 



286 THE LAST EOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

track of the army through South Carolina will not com- 
pare with the one that will be left by some of the corps. 

The march from Goldsboro to this place is said, by 
those that have been to the rear, to have been very 
easy on the country passed through. One person who 
came through on the road taken by the Twentieth 
Corps, went so far as to say that the corps was becom- 
ing demoralized and inefficient. He knew because 
there were chickens, pigs and cattle left at the houses 
by the road, and only one house burnt, and that is said 
to have been done by the Twenty-third Corps, for the 
reason that one of their men was found pendant to a tree 
near by. 

The picturesque town of Raleigh is certainly very 
little harmed. The devastation that has been done was 
done by " Wheeler's cavalry." 

Poor Wheeler, what an amount of scoundrelism his 
diminutive shoulders have laid upon them — any respect- 
able "Confed." disclaims entirely that he is even ac- 
quainted with any one connected with Wheeler's cav- 
alry. 

That the war is over is now generally conceded, and 
the soldiers are many of them casting a longing eye 
toward home. That they will not make peaceful citi- 
zens is, I am sure, a mistake. This war has educated 
many of them. 



It is now settled that as soon as 

Raleigh, N, c. the ratification of the terms of 

April! 9, 1865. Surrender or capitulation of the 

Rebel armies is made known 

from Washington, General Sherman will march his 

army northward to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where it 

will be mustered out of service. 

General Schofield, commanding the Department of 
North Carolina, will probably remain with the Army 
of the Ohio, to maintain order until affairs become set- 



l^HK LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 287 

tied in the State. An earnest wish prevails among the 
citizens that our forces will continue to extend protec- 
tion over them until the civil authorities are fully es- 
tablished, and there is a chance for a free expression of 
the choice of the people, for their future rulers, at the 
ballot-box. If the signs of the times indicate any- 
thing, they point to a complete overthrow of the un- 
principled demagogues who have ruled the State. 

The prospects of peace and of an early march home 
produces much rejoicing among the old soldiers of the 
army. They will go in light marching order, the heavy 
army material such as ordnance stores, and all super- 
fluous impediments being sent by sea from Beaufort. 
But this is anticipating. No orders, of course, have 
yet been issued on the subject. The return of Colonel 
Hitchcock, the bearer of the dispatches to Washington, 
will be looked for with intense interest. Already 
officers and men are casting about them for the future 
in view of their early release from service in the army. 

The weather is delightful, and all nature seems to 
sympathize in the general joy which pervades the army 
over the return of peace. 



The great and solemn pageant of 
President Lincoln's Funeral, removing the remains of the 

Washington, D. C, tvt ..• ) j j u t j 

April 19, 1865. Natiou's rcvcrcd and beloved 

Chief from the White House to 
the Capitol is closed. Never was such a scene wit- 
nessed where each and every one of the vast throng 
moved in silent sadness, as if bearing the burden of 
a personal bereavement. It has been the writer's for- 
tune to witness the funerals here of John C. Calhoun, 
Henry Clay, and President Taylor. These were solemn 
and imposing, yet the event of to-day was as the loss 
of an ardently loved parent to the death of a stranger. 
At the White House the body lay uncoffined in the 
center of the East Room, as heretofore described, the 



288 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

head resting to the north. From the entrance door at 
the northwest end of the room were placed the pall- 
bearers, next the representatives of the army, then the 
judiciary. At the corner the Assistant Secretaries of 
the Departments. First on the eastern line the Sena- 
tors of the States; next the Diplomatic Corps, who were 
out in very large numbers and in full court suits. 
Then the ladies of the Cabinet Ministers ; next the 
Judges of the Supreme Court. Next in the center and 
in front of the catafalque, stood the new President, and 
behind him the Cabinet Ministers. The members of 
the Senate joined their left, the House came next; at 
the corner turning southward stood the Kentucky dele- 
gation divided on the left by the delegation from Illi- 
nois; on the south end were first the clergy, then the 
municipal delegations, the Smithsonian Institute, New 
York Chamber of Commerce, Common Councils of New 
York and Philadelphia, Union League delegations, and 
around beside the southwest door of the Green Room 
were stationed the citizens' delegations from various 
quarters. The space surrounding the body to within 
about ten feet was filled by a raised platform, upon 
which the several bodies described above stood. 

Throughout the ceremonies, within the reserved 
space on the north corner were seated the officiating 
clergy, on the south corner the mourners, consisting of 
the late President's two sons, his two private secre- 
taries, and members of his personal household. Mrs. 
Lincoln was so severely indisposed as to be compelled 
to keep her room. The recess of the double center 
doors leading to the large vestibule was assigned to 
the representatives of the press. 

The services were peculiarly impressive, and the 
quotation concluding Dr. Gurley's sermon was most 
aptly appropriate and significant. The sermon over, 
the body was removed to the funeral car for transpor- 
tation to the Capitol, the pall bearers, mourners, Diplo- 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 289 

matic Corps and Supreme Court riding in carriages, all 
others walking. 

The exercises had commenced at precisely half past 
twelve o'clock and it was two o'clock as the cortege 
from within began to move out at the northwestern 
gate. 

Outside the great gateway leading from the White 
House grounds and extending far back upon all the 
radiating streets were the thousands of delegations 
from nearly every loyal State who marched into line at 
the proper moment and moved on with the immense 
mass following the hearse. 

No more beautiful morning, no brighter sunnier 
day, with sky clear as crystal and the air all charged 
with the etherial mildness of spring, ever dawned in 
glory, ascended to the meridian splendor and sat in 
peace, than this, the day of the obsequies of Abraham 
Lincoln. 

In the early morning the whole city thronged upon 
the streets, not as on a gala day, not as when Richmond 
fell, not as when Lee surrendered ; then there was re- 
joicing — to-day there was sorrow. The closed shutters 
and barred doors of all places of business, the black 
drapery of mourning that festooned every home, the 
profound solemnity that dwelt upon every face, and 
the tears of strong men in the streets, and the more 
than one instance where women fainted in the houses, 
these were the incidents and attendants of joy ; but in 
the attestations of grief, ordinary words lose their sig- 
nificance in the presence of facts and feeling never 
known before. Pennsylvania avenue, down which the 
cortege was to move, was densely packed before ten 
o'clock, and yet the procession was not to move until 
two o'clock. 

The privilege of viewing it from a window was sold 
for ten dollars. A newsboy gave twenty-five cents to 
another for his place in the top of a tree. Boys pressed 
through the mass selling crape, and found many pur- 



290 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

chasers. Everybody wore crape ; everybody was si- 
lent, grave, solemn ; everybody stood and patiently 
awaited for hours ; there was no disorder, no disqui- 
et—all were chief mourners. None betrayed any 
thought unbefitting the occasion, all seemed to feel 
that the great national family had lost its head, that 
this was the funeral of the foremost man in all this 
world. 

Meanwhile there were ceremonies in the house, sim- 
ple, solemn, fitting, and promptly at two o'clock the 
procession moves, and there are sobs and tears now. 

The dead march wails in the people's ears, the cor- 
tege is hours passing a given point — first the troops of 
the cavalry, the measured tread of the infantry and the 
bands, and the long guns and the flags, and every man 
and every horse, and every saber and every gun, and 
every fife and drum, and every flag, black with the 
emblems of grief. 

The stricken family; a hundred Illinoisans and chief 
mourners, the Lieutenant General as a pall-bearer, 
various Generals and their staffs. General Butler in 
citizen's dress on foot, with the other Bay State men, 
and then the great funeral, all slowly moving to the 
music of dirges, twenty thousand following him, the 
man of amplest influence, yet clearest of ambitious 
crime, to the tomb, and fifty thousand more of the 
mourners, looking on in sympathy and sorrow, and 
then we all went each his way. 

We had all come to bury our more than dead Caesar, 
and to praise him ; yet there was no thought to stir 
up a mutiny as at that Roman funeral. The feeling 
was too holy for turbulence, yet not too abstract or 
sentimental for justice. Men said, let not the traitors 
who are guilty of this, let not the traitors who are 
guilty, let none of the prominent ones of this Rebellion 
ever again become American citizens. We do not cry 
for their blood, but we demand that they shall never 
vote at the same polls with us, never claim a part in 
the flag they would have dishonored. 



Thursday, April 20, 1865 



If the news we published yes- 

From the'Daiiy^Rebei. terdav froni Senatobia is true, 

April 20 1865 William H. Seward, the cold- 

Confederate Account. ,, ,- -, .' ^•.• ^ 

blooded and heartless political 
miscreant, who guided the infernal policy which 
plunged us into this bloody and desolating war, has 
been arrested by an angry God in the midst of his in- 
iquities, and has paid the penalty of his crimes at the 
hand of an unknown assassin. 

For many years Mr. Seward has been the moving 
spirit of Northern hostility to the South, and to his 
enmity and ambitious designs do we owe this war. It 
is doubtful whether Lincoln would have had the nerve 
to press the differences between the two sections to the 
point of actual collision, if Mr. Seward had not stood 
at his back, and with his devilish malice urged him on. 

Doubtless, Seward had conceived in his own mind 
some mighty scheme of government, in which the 
Southern States should play but a subordinate part, to 
the success of which it was necessary that the institu- 
tion of slavery, which was a paramount interest, and 
gave strength and unity to the South, and enabled it to 
exercise an important, if not a controlling interest in 
the Government, should be destroyed. He declared 
years ago that there was an "irrepressible conflict" be- 
tween the Northern and Southern systems of labor, 
and that the one must supercede the other. 

He steadily and persistently pursued the warfare 
upon our institutions, until he had created a party 



292 THE LAvST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

sufficiently strong -to elect a President, and then taking 
the Premiership under that President, he inaugurated 
the war with the view to the extinction of slavery, 
though it should involve the slaughter and ruin of the 
entire white population of these States. 

His ambitious plans have been brought to a bloody, 
we do not say a fitting, conclusion. If it was right for 
Brutus to slay the despotic Caesar; who shall say that 
the man who slit the throat of this arch plotter against 
the lives and liberties of these people is not worthy of 
the laurel wreath? 

And Abe Lincoln, too, the political mountebank and 
professional joker, whom nature intended for the ring 
of a circus, but whom a strange streak of popular de- 
lusion elevated to the Presidency — he also has fallen. 
His career was as short as it was bloody and infamous. 
He has gone to answer before the bar of God, for the 
innocent blood which he has permitted to be shed, and 
his efforts to enslave a free people. 

The dispatches are not sufficiently particular to en- 
able us to judge in regard to the motives which prompt- 
ed the assassins to their work. We presume that the 
South will be charged with inciting them to their 
bloody work, and that a high degree of exasperation 
against us will be the consequence. But while we do 
not know anything concerning the cause of these deeds, 
we do know that they have struck our people here with 
as much surprise as they have the people of the North. 
While they rejoice at the destruction of their enemies, 
they would neither have suggested nor will they sanc- 
tion cold-blooded murder, however much the victims 
may deserve the fate they met. 



Several important subjects con- 
sherman's Army. ncctcd witli the war may be 

Near Raleigh. N. C. ^, -. r ^, • ^ r 

April 20! 1865. gathered Ironi the gist of a con- 

versation which General Sher- 



THE I.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 393 

man held with his lyieutenants after the review of the 
Tenth Corps to-day. 

The most interesting theme among all upon which 
the conversation touched was the recent interview with 
General Johnston at Durham's Station. With this in- 
terview General Sherman expressed himself as highly 
pleased. Johnston was courteous and affable, and free- 
ly acknowledged that the cause of the Confederacy was 
hopeless and that humanity demanded an immediate 
cessation of hostilities. 

To meet this end Sherman proposed that Johnston, 
as the ranking officer of the Confederacy, now that 
General Lee is a prisoner, should surrender the entire 
remaining armies of the insurgent States. To this 
proposition Johnston only objected that he doubted 
whether his authority would be recognized by the South 
and that he lacked the power to enforce such a capitu- 
lation as the one proposed. Sherman, however, rather 
humorously remarking that he would lend him all the 
power he needed, Johnston agreed to do "what in him 
lay" to pacify the nation, especially as the great Mogul 
of the Confederacy when its fortunes were prosperous, 
but its "small potato" when its fortunes are failing, 
could not be found. 

The last that was heard by General Johnston of the 
chivalrous chief of the last ditchers, Jefferson D., was 
that he had started away for parts unknown in an am- 
bulance and was supposed to be hidden somewhere in 
the mountains. May this be the end of him. There 
could be no more ludicrously insignificant termination 
to the career of this arch Rebel than in the flight which 
he has ignominiously chosen. There is nothing of the 
heroic in this. Had he bravely yielded himself a pris- 
oner with chivalrous Lee, perhaps a bard or two in ages 
to come might have sung the life, fortunes, and tragical 
death of J. Davis, but now there will none be found so 
poor as to do him reverence. 

Very little difficulty was experienced by the two 



294 '^HE LAST FOUR WEEKS. OF THE WAR. 

chieftains in agreeing to the terms of the capitulation 
of the Southern armies. Sherman offered and Johnston 
accepted substantially the same terms which were of- 
fered by General Grant to General Lee. Johnston 
further agreed to issue a proclamation to the Rebel 
Legislatures, calling upon them to meet at their respect- 
ive capitals and take the oath of allegiance to the Gov- 
ernment of the United States. 

John C. Breckinridge, who was present on the 
grounds before the interview, evidently thought that 
being a politician, he would be able to outwit Sherman 
in obtaining for him a recognition of his right to treat 
with him as a civil officer of the Confederate Govern- 
ment, who might be supposed to represent the views of 
its President. But General Sherman foiled all his at- 
tempts, and merely recognized him in his capacity as 
Lieutenant General of the Confederacy, and did not 
negotiate with him at all. 

During the day. General Sherman communicated to 
General Johnston the intelligence of the assassination 
of President Lincoln, and it is only just to a sworn 
though honorable enemy, to say that General Johnston 
was grieved by the news, and seemed to be as much 
shocked by it as if he were a Northern man and a 
friend of the President's. 

Something being said about State rights, Sherman 
made one of his characteristic remarks in reply. Said 
he: *'The American citizen has some rights too. I 
have some rights, among them is the right to go where 
I please, and jump what fences I please." "That," said 
Johnston, "is because you have a large force to back 
you." Said Sherman, "That is the identical thing." 

General Wade Hampton, Sherman describes as a 
foolish fire-eater, who vows that he never will surrender, 
but will cut his way through the lines somehow some- 
where and sail away to an elysium of independence. 
Hampton says he will never speak to a Northern man 
after the war is over. Poor fool ! 



Friday, April 21, 1865. 



'' Soldiers : I have summoned 

Mo8by'?Fa"reweii*Address. you together for the last time. 

April 21, 1865. -^he visioti we have cherished 

Confederate Account. ^ (. i • i -i ^ 

for a free and independent coun- 
try has vanished, and that country is now the spoil of a 
conqueror. I disband your organization in preference 
to surrendering to our enemies. I am no longer your 
commander. After an association of more than two 
eventful years, I part from you with a just pride in the 
fame of your achievements, and grateful recollections 
of your generous kindness to myself; and now at this 
moment of bidding you a final adieu, accept the assur- 
ance of my unchanging confidence and regard. Fare- 
well." 



General Bwell, in conversation 
^ApriT 2?"'i865;' ^ith the editor of The National 

Intelligencer, yesterday, stated 
his last letter to General Lee, as follows : 

'' General Lee : For God's sake, and humanity's 
sake, surrender your army. You are outnumbered and 
beaten. To continue the contest longer is to court 
nothing but slaughter in vain, 

Ewell." 



Sunday, April 23, 1865, 



Army of the Potomac, 
April 23, 1865. 



This glorious army is now being 
broken up. The Sixth Corps, 
which has earned the word 
Ubique, and might bear it on it's flag, was put in march 
this morning for Danville, in order to hold that point, 
and it would seem, to guard the communication of the 
army under General Sherman. 

The Fifth Corps is now posted along the Southside 
railroad, guarding that line, and the Ninth, which did 
that duty till lately, is now on it's way to the Capital, 
from which, report says, it will be transported to a cer- 
tain distant point of the Rebel country. 

The Twenty-fourth Corps is in march for Richmond, 
where the bulk of it now is, and lastly, the Second 
Corps is here waiting for orders. 



Vicksburg, Tenn.. 
April 23, 1865. 



Eight thousand Andersonville 
prisoners are here getting ready 
to return to their homes. 



Among the trophies of Stone- 
man's expedition are twelve bat- 
tle flags and banners, one old 
United States flag found in the house of a loyal citizen 



Knoxville, Tenn., 
April 23, 1865. 



THE IvAST FOUR WKEKS OF THE WAR. 29? 



of Salisbury. The poisonous pen, where many unfor- 
tunate Union prisoners pined their lives away, was 
burned to the ground. A few Union prisoners were 
found, skeletons of their former selves. Almost all of 
them died on the way to Knoxville. They preferred 
rather to die under the Stars and Stripes than to be left 
in the loathsome hospitals of Salisbury. 



Monday, April 24, 1865. 



The people of the North are now 
seima, Ala., reapiiipf the natural and inevita- 

From the Daily Rebel. \ ^ x, ^ r - i. 

April 24. 1865. ^^^ harvest of crime growing out 

Confederate Account. of the demoralization incident to 
a state of war. The last dis- 
patches exhibit a most shocking and horrible state of 
society. The President and his Prime Minister killed 
by assassins, and the new President and the Secretary 
of War murdered by a mob which has obtained and 
holds possession of the Capital of the Nation. Other 
cities sacked and a great popular revolution against the 
rulers impending. While their armies are devastating 
our land, their own down-trodden populace, infuriated 
by tyranny and driven to despair by want, bursts the 
bonds of law, and a reign of terror and of ruin is estab- 
lished. 

That Nation which prided itself upon its strength 
and prosperity, finds three different Presidents occupy- 
ing its Executive Chair within a space of a single 
month, two of whom were murdered ; discord and 
anarchy riding rampant and ruling the hour. Perhaps 
they may yet find it necessary to recall the armies 
they have sent to these States to ruin us to restore 
order and law among themselves. God grant it. 



THE I.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 299 

The Atlanta papers know of the 
Chattanooga, Tenn., assassination of President Lin- 

April24, 1865. 11^1 i. 

com, but make no comment. 
They deny the surrender of Lee's Army, and say he 
was all right on the i6th inst. 



Wednesday, April 26. 1865. 



General Grant's telegram of to- 

Raleigh. N. C. day : 

^'"•" 26. 1865. a Johnston surrendered the 

forces in his command, embrac- 
ing all from here to the Chattahooche, to General 
Sherman, on the basis agreed upon between Lee and 
myself for the Army of Northern Virginia." 



The 26th of April, 1865, will re- 
a1)Hi 26' I'ses ^^^^^^ celebrated in our annals as 

the day which witnessed the final 
surrender of the Rebel army under Joseph E. John- 
ston, and closed the Slaveholder's Rebellion. 

The presence of Lieutenant General Grant at Raleigh 
with the ultimatum of the Government, has been 
known to Rebel officers for four days, and, no doubt, 
had a salutary influence upon the negotiations which 
hitherto have hung fire. General Sherman, General 
Schofield and General Howard, with several members 
of their respective staffs, among others Colonel W. H. 
Wherry, of General Schofield's staff, left for the front 
at eight o'clock this morning by train. 

Bennett's house, five miles beyond Durham's Station, 
and about thirty from Raleigh, was the place of con- 
ference, the same as that where the former interview 
took place. It is a small and unpretentious country 
dwelling, with only two rooms, and a small allowance 
of windows in each room. The house, however, was 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 30I 

scrupulously neat, the floors scrubbed to a milky white- 
ness, the bed in one room very neatly made up, and 
the few articles of furniture in the room arranged 
with neatness and taste. The grounds were ornament- 
ed with a few flowers and a little shrubbery. Opposite 
the house is a fine oak casting a broad shadow ; and 
other trees about the premises had been trimmed by 
the Rebel officers and soldiers to give them an inviting- 
appearance. 

The train, bearing the Union Generals, arrived at 
the station, or house, about two o'clock in the after- 
noon. General Johnston, with Captain Wade Hamp- 
ton, Jr., and Major Preston of his staff", with several 
other officers arrived about half past two o'clock, and 
after a very civil but not over warm greeting between 
the officers, and the introductions of the officers. Gen- 
eral Johnston and General Sherman held a short pri- 
vate interview in the room set apart for the conference, 
meanwhile the Rebel officers withdrew to some dis- 
tance, and remained in conversation among themselves, 
the Union officers doing the same. 

Generals Schofield and Howard then joined the Con- 
ference, which lasted about one hour. Wade Hamp- 
ton, having been relieved of command, was not present, 
neither was Breckinridge. The basis of surrender was 
the same as that on which Lee handed over his shattered 
army to General Grant. Instead of marching to their 
respective capitals to deliver their arms, the whole 
force, estimated at twenty-five thousand men of all 
arms, with all the artillery and material of war, are to 
be delivered at Greensborough, North Carolina. 

The terms include no recognition of the existing 
State Governments, the whole civil feature of the set- 
tlement being left to the people and the general Gov- 
ernment. The surrender includes all the Rebels in 
arms in the four States of North Carolina, South Caro- 
lina, Georgia and Florida to the Chattahooche river. 
The remainder of the Rebel armies — Kirby Smith's and 
others' — will undoubtedly follow suit. 



302 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

General Johnston throughout has shown unmistaka- 
ble anxiety to close the war without further bloodshed. 
He seemed considerably oppressed with care and respon- 
sibility, but maintained his affable and gentlemanly 
bearing throughout. 

The officers finally mingled freely in conversation 
upon the war, and the men argued and disputed about 
the merits of various battles in which they had taken 
part. The conference closed cordially, the officers 
shook hands and parted with mutual expressions of 
good will. Thus closes the drama of a four years' 
bloody and most inexcusable war. The train returned 
to Raleigh at nine o'clock in the evening. An order 
will be published to-morrow announcing the surrender 
of the Rebel Army. General Grant goes north on a 
special train in the morning. The Twenty-third and 
Tenth Army Corps remain here. 



Thursday, April 27, 1865 



About eight o'clock last evening 
^°°w^hiTrn ^d'*c^^**'' ^^ received the intelligence of 
Apri"2r'i865. ' the capturc of J. Wilkes Booth, 

the assassin of Abraham Lin- 
coln, and one of his accomplices in the murder, David 
C. Harrold. The following are such of the particulars 
as we were enabled to gather, which, with the excep- 
tion of the precise locality where the occurrence took 
place, we give as being trustworthy and correct. Booth 
and his accomplice had crossed the Potomac River at 
or near Acquia Creek. Our cavalry scouts in that vi- 
cinity have been in consequence unusually active in 
their endeavors to get on their trail. 

Early yesterday morning a squad of about twelve 
men belonging to the Sixteenth New York Cavalry, 
under command of a lieutenant whose name we did not 
learn, succeeded in discovering the fugitive in a barn 
on the road leading from Port Royal to Bowling Green, 
in Caroline County, Va. As soon as they were discov- 
ered the place was surrounded, and the assassins order- 
ed to surrender. This they both refused to do. Booth 
declaring that he would not be taken alive, and offer- 
ing to fight the whole squad if he would be permitted 
to place himself twenty yards distant from them. His 
proposition was not, however, acceded to, and as they 
persisted in their refusal to surrender, the lieutenant 
determined to burn them out, and accordingly set fire 
to the barn. Shortly afterward Harrold came out and 
gave himself up. Booth remained in the burning build- 



304 'THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

ing for some time and until driven out by the fire, when 
he rushed out and was immediately shot through the 
neck by the sergeant of the squad. 

Since the above was put in type, we have had an in- 
terview with two of the cavalrymen engaged in the 
capture of the assassins. 

From them we learn that the whole party consisted 
of twenty-eight, including two detectives. The first in- 
formation respecting Booth's crossing the river and his 
probable whereabouts, was obtained from disbanded 
Rebel soldiers who were met with in all directions in 
that part of the country. From one and another of 
these the clue to Booth's movements was gathered and 
held until just at daybreak they came upon the barn 
where he and Harrold were secreted. 

A parley was had, and Booth manifesting the most 
desperate determination not to be taken alive, and to 
take as many of the lives of the party as possible, 
Lieutenant Edward P. Doherty, who commanded the 
scouting party, determined to make short work of him. 
When Harrold saw the preparations for firing the barn, 
he declared his willingness to surrender, and said he 
would not fight if they would let him out. Booth, on 
the contrary, was impudently defiant, offering at first 
to fight the whole squad atone hundred yards, and sub- 
sequently at fifty yards. He was hobbling on crutches, 
apparently very lame. He swore he would die like a 
man, etc. 

Harrold having been secured, as soon as the burning 
hay lighted the interior of the barn sufficiently to ren- 
der the scowling face of Booth, the assassin, visible. 
Sergeant Boston Corbett fired upon him, and he fell. 
The ball passed through his neck. He was pulled out 
of the barn, and one of his crutches and carbine and 
revolvers secured. 

The wretch lived about two hours, whispering blas- 
phemies against the Government and messages to his 
mother, desiring her to be informed that he died for his 
country. 



THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OK THE WAR. 3O5 

The time Booth was shot he was leaning upon one 
crutch and preparing to shoot his captors. Only one 
shot was fired in the entire affair, that which killed the 
assassin. 

Lieutenant Doherty is one of the bravest fellows in 
the cavalry service, having distinguished himself in a 
sharp affair at Culpepper Court House, and on other 
occasions. The Sixteenth New York Cavalry is com- 
manded by Colonel Nelson Sweetzer, and has been do- 
ing duty in Fairfax county. This regiment formed 
part of the cavalry escort on the day of the President's 
obsequies in Washington. The body of Booth and the 
assassin's accomplice, Harrold, were placed on board 
the Ida, and sent to Washington, arriving here about 
one o'clock this morning. 

Later. — Booth's body has been fully recognized and 
placed upon a gunboat in the stream. The knife he 
brandished, with the blood of Captain Rathbone dried 
thereon, is here; also his revolvers and Spencer rifle. 
He claimed to have been deserted by all his confeder- 
ates, except Harrold, and that he rode twenty miles 
with the bone of his leg protruding and chafing against 
his saddle. 



Friday, April 28, 1865. 



A force of six to twelve thousand 
A^prii'" 28,^1 865. Rebels, comprising the remnants 

of Jeff. Thompson's and Joe 
Shelby's brigades, are at Pocahontas, Arkansas, pre- 
paring to invade Missouri. 

Three regiments have been sent down the river. 



Saturday, April 29, 1865 



Savannah, Ga. 
April 29, 1865. 



The forces under Brevet Major 
Wilson's Raid. General Wilson, after a march of 

over three hundred miles through 
a sterile and mountainous coun- 
try, approached Selma, Alabama, surrounded by two 
lines of entrenchments, impassable swamps, covered by 
stockades and defended by seven thousand Rebel 
troops under the command of General Forrest. The 
Second Division swept over the defenses of the Sum- 
merfield road like an avalanche, while the Fourth 
Division carried those on the Plantersville road. The 
enemy, astonished and disheartened, broke from their 
works, and Selma was won. General Chalmers made 
a futile effort to drive in the pickets of the Second Di- 
vision, and go to the Rebel garrison during the battle, 
and was compelled to retreat rapidly beyond Caliaba. 
The fruits of this victory were twenty-six field pieces 
and one thirty-pounder Parrott, captured on the field of 
battle, and over seventy pieces of heavy ordnance in 
the arsenal and foundry; two thousand prisoners,^ a 
number of battle-flags, the naval foundry and machine 
shops, the extensive arsenal filled with every variety 
of military munitions, and large quantities of commis- 
sary and quartermasters' stores in depot. This was on' 
the 2d day of April. On Saturday evening, April 8, 
the troops commenced crossing the Alabama River on 
pontoon bridges, and by Monday, the loth, all were 
across. From Selma to Montgomery is distant about 



3o8 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

fifty- six miles. On the 12th, Montgomery was sur- 
rendered to General McCook, commanding First Di- 
vision. No resistance was met with, General Beauford 
having evacuated the place, after destroying a large 
quantity of cotton, commissary stores, &c. 

Monday, i6th, left the camp early in the morning, 
marching thirty-eight miles, reaching Columbus be- 
tween nine and ten o'clock. General Winstow's bri- 
gade of the Fourth Division forced its way through the 
lines, and about twenty-five Union soldiers rode across 
the covered bridge in company with a Rebel escort, 
without their knowledge, of course. After crossing 
the river these intrepid soldiers informed the Rebels 
who they were, and made an attack upon them with 
their sabers. The escort soon disappeared, and follow- 
ed by the balance of the brigade, entered and took pos- 
session of the city. About two hundred pieces of 
artillery and a large number of small arms were 
captured in the arsenal, and about two thousand pris- 
oners. General Howell Cobb was in command at 
Columbus, who skedaddled back to Macon as fast as 
he could on the appearance of the Union forces. From 
Columbus to Macon is ninety-six miles. General Wil- 
son left the former city on the i8th, resuming his 
march for the latter place, passing by the double 
bridges. On the evening of the 20th, when about 
seventeen miles from Macon, he was met by a flag of 
truce sent out by General Cobb, with a copy of a dis- 
patch from General Beauregard announcing the armis- 
tice between Generals Sherman and Johnston, and 
asking an interview at some point with a view to en- 
forcing said armistice. Pending this, and before Gen- 
eral Wilson had time to reply, the Seventeenth Indiana 
of the Second Division, commanded by General Long, 
dashed into the city about dusk, and took possesion of 
it. A short time after General Wilson arrived in the city 
and took quarters at the Lanier House. General Cobb 
and staff", General Mercer and staff", and General A. W. 



THE 1.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 3^9 



Smith (commanding the militia) and staff, and some 
two thonsand other officers and soldiers, were all taken 
prisoners. The stockade at Macon, where a large 
number of Union prisoners were formerly confined, 
was, soon after the arrival of our forces, totally demol- 
ished The Lanier House was pillaged, supposed to 
have been done by the servants, and the jewelry store 
of E J. Johnson, in which was the Confederate Depos- 
itory, managed by W. B. Johnson. General Wilson's 
command consists of about sixteen thousand men to 
whom much credit is due for the rapid marches they 
have made and important captures of the cities they 
have visited. 



Sunday, April 30, 1865. 



General Sherman's Army is en 
^f ^\"sto"' D- C-. route for Washington, overland. 

April 30, 1 835. -i i 

1 he Government to-day tele- 
graphed to Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York for 
fifty bakers from each place, in order to be ready for 
the army. We have now here a very large body of 
troops, coming from the vicinity of Richmond and 
the Shenandoah Valley, and fifty thousand rations of 
soft bread are issued here daily. 



The day broke in the most de- 
Army of Georgia. Hghtful manner. The sun shone 

Near the Nsuse River. ^^ . ^ . , . . , 

April 30, 1865. lorth alter the heavy ram of the 

previous night in all his splen- 
dor, and gave to the cool morning air his brightest and 
most cheery glances. So opened the day on which the 
left wing of the grand army commenced its joyful 
march toward home — sweet home. When at daylight 
their tents were struck, and the bugle gaily sounded 
the "forward," of all that host who proudly marched 
beneath the "bonnie blue which bears a single star," 
there was not one whose bosom did not swell with 
pride and exultation as he thought that he was march- 
ing north, crowned with victory. 

Joy beamed from every eye when home was in the 
mind, and every eye looked joyful only to be dimmed 



THE LAST FOUR WKEKS OF THE WAR. 311 

as the melancholy tragedy at Washington was recalled 
by the over working brain. Yet as hope and joy are 
the ruling passions of the successful, the moments of 
grief, though poignant, were few. Joyfully then the 
Twentieth Corps, which led the advance of the Army 
of Georgia, marched from their camps on a march 
which cannot but be barren of the usual topics of in- 
terest which spring from the movements of an army, 
and yet will be fruitful in others more novel and as 
entertaining. How the troops are received on the 
• route, what are the sentiments of the inhabitants upon 
the great social problem of re-union which now per- 
plexes the profoundest minds, when the army will 
arrive at the principal towns on its way, when it will 
finally reach its destination at Alexandria, and a thou- 
sand other items which cannot be anticipated, will fill 
the place in the public mind which has been during 
four years occupied by war and rumors of war. 



We learn that Jeff*erson Davis, 
Raleigh, N. c, under a strong: escort, and ac- 

April 30, 1865. . , , ^ , ' . , 

From the Raieigh Progress, compauied by a loug tram bear- 
ing away immense sums of gold 
filched from the people, and other plunder, has crossed 
the Yadkin river, near Salisbury, and is making his way 
to Texas, where he expects to re-establish his Govern- 
ment. Before leaving the rear of Johnston's army he 
harangued a portion of the troops, and asked them to 
follow him across the Mississippi, where he promised 
them to again rear the standard of Rebellion ; and it is 
said a strong mounted force accompanied him, the train 
being over two miles long. After all that has hap- 
pened recently we doubt his ability to reach the coun- 
try beyond the Mississippi. 

It is now evident that there is no peace for any part 
of this country, or for any State, but in a prompt return 
to the protection of the Union Government, and a 



312 THK LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

ready, cheerful obedience to the laws; and if Jefferson 
Davis, and the desperate characters who have cast their 
lots with him should again attempt to defy the National 
authority, here or elsewhere, we trust that short work 
will be made of them. We had hoped that peace 
would so soften the hearts of rulers and people that the 
past would be a sealed book, and that punishment, 
even of leaders, if inflicted at all, would be very mild ; 
but Jefferson Davis, and the leaders who helped him 
break up the Government and defy the National 
authority, are mainly responsible before men and high 
Heaven for the slaughter, sufferings and horrors that 
have accompanied this war, and the patriotic, loyal 
masses will no longer tolerate their infamous treason. 
Davis will, no doubt, betray and deceive this small 
band of misguided followers, as he has betrayed and 
deceived the great body, of the people of the Southern 
States; and when they shall have given him safe con- 
duct across the Mississippi, he will step into Mexico 
and desert them, as he has but so recently deserted the 
people east of the Mississippi. He is running for his 
life, and should he and Benjamin, the Jew, his prime 
minister, once clear the country, we shall never see 
them or their like again. 

There are large bodies of Union troops in Georgia, 
Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, with small forces 
in Arkansas and Missouri ; and if the Rebel leader shall 
dare attempt to open shop in Texas, he and all his 
sympathizers will be swept away like broom-sedge be- 
fore the devouring flame. 

Farewell, Davis ! You played the bold and success- 
ful tyrant over the deluded people of the South, for 
four long years, but if you will take your leading 
associates in infamy with you in your flight, we shall be 
disposed to forgive much. 

You and your confederates in treason against a Gov- 
ernment you had sworn to support will wear the mark 
of Cain wherever you may go, and it} future times, when 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 313 

mothers shall recount your deeds of cruelty, oppression, 
and wrong, their children shall shudder and shrink 
back aghast at the horrid picture. Farewell, thou arch 
despoiler of one of the fairest lands that ever the sun 
shown upon! Go, and if you can make peace with 
your own conscience, we freely forgive you all the 
wrong you have done us. 



Monday, May 1, 1865. 



Another fine day for marching, 
Sherman's Troops, starting at five in the morning, 

Fairport, N. C, . i , -i i • i r 

May 1. 1365. t)y three o'clock in the aiternoon 

the troops were in camp at Fair- 
port, having marched twenty-two miles without experi- 
encing more than usual fatigue, owing to the excel- 
lence of the roads. 

Perfect order reigned along the lines of the Twentieth 
Corps. What occurred in the Fourteenth I am unable 
to say as it is marching upon a different road. 

One of the halts of General Geary's Division was at 
the house of a quondam Rebel Quartermaster who had 
evidently been a thorough Secessionist. His thorough- 
bred terrier was named " Rebel," and his favorite game 
chicken was called "Bob Lee." A little daughter of 
this gentleman, three years old, was thoroughly imbued 
with rebellious spirit. Coax her, as all did, she would 
still defiantly say she "did not like Yankees." An 
officer failing to obtain the gift of one of her curls in- 
quired why she refused him, and he was rather aston- 
ished when the little lips which had scarcely learned to 
frame an answer, said plainly — "she was going to sell 
the curl to help pay the National debt." 



Richmond, Va., May 18&65. — 

Artemus Ward at Richmond. The old man fiuds himSclf OUCC 

more in a sunny climb. I cum 
here a few days arter the city catterpillertulated. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 315 

My naburs seemed surprised & astonislit at this 
darin' bravery onto the part of a man at my time of 
my life, but our family was never know'd to quale in 
danger's stormy hour. 

My father was a sutler in the Revolootion War. My 
father once had an intervoo with Gin'ral LaFayette. 

He asked LaFayette to lend him five dollars, prom- 
isin' to pay him in the fall ; but Lafy said he couldn't 
see it in those lamps. Lafy was French, and his 
knowledge of our langwide was a little shaky. 

Immejutly on my 'rival here I perceeded to the 
Spotswood House, and, callin' to my assistans a young 
man from our town who writes a good runnin' hand, I 
put my ortograph on the register, and handin' my um- 
brella to a bald-headed man behind the counter, who I 
s'posed was Mr. Spotswood, I said, "Spotsy, how does 
she run? " 

He called a cullud purson, and said : 

''Show the gem'mun to the cow yard, and giv' him 
cart number one." 

"Isn't Grant here?" I said. "Perhaps Ulyssis 
wouldn't mind my turnin' in with him." 

" Do you know the Genral?" inquired Mr. Spoots- 
wood. 

"Wall, no, not 'zackly ; but he'll remember me. 
His brother-in-law's aunt brought her rye meal of my 
lincle Levi all one winter. My uncle Levi's rye meal 
was — " 

" Pooh! pooh ! " said Spotsy, " don't bother me," and 
he shuv'd my umbrella onto the floor. Obsarvin' to 
him not to be so keerless with that wepin, I accompan- 
ied the African to my lodgins. 

" My brother," I sed, "sir are you aware that you've 
bin 'mancipated ? Do you realise how glorus it is to be 
free ? Tell me, my dear brother, does it not seem like 
some dreams, or do you realise the great fact in all its 
livin' and holy magnitood?" 

He sed he would take some gin. 



3l6 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

I was show'd to the cow yard and laid down under a 
one mule cart. The hotel was orful crowded, and I 
was sorry I hadn't gone to the Libby Prison. Tho' I 
should hav' slept com't'ble enuff if the bed cloths 
hadn't bin pulled off me durin' the night, by a scoun- 
drul who cum and hitched a mule to the cart and druv 
it off. I thus lost my cuverin', and my throat feels a 
little husky this morning. 

Gin'ral Halleck offers me the hospitality of the city, 
givin' me my choice of hospitals. 

He has also very kindly placed at my disposal a 
smallpox amboolance. 

There is raly a great deal of Union sentiment in this 
city. I see it on ev'ry hand. 

I met a man to-day — I am not at liberty to tell his 
name, but he is an old and inflooentocial citizen of 
Richmond, and sez he, "Why! we've bin fightin' agin 
the old flag ! Lor' bless me, how sing'lar !" He then 
borr'd five dollars of me and bust into a flood of tears. 

Sed another (a man of standin' and formerly a bitter 
rebul) "let us at once stop this effushun of Bind! The 
Old Flag is good enuff for me. Sir," he added, "you 
air from the North ! Have you a doughnut or a piece 
of custard pie about you ?" 

I told him no, but I knew a man from Vermont who 
had just organized a sort of restaurant, where he could • 
go and make a very comfortable breakfast on New 
England rum and cheese. He borrowed fifty cents of 
me, and askin' me to send him Wm Lloyd Garrison's 
ambrotype as soon as I got home, he walked off. 

Said another, "There's bin a tremendous Union feel- 
in' here from the fust. But we was kept down by a 
rain of terror. Have you a degerretype of Wendell 
Phillips about your person ? and will you lend me four 
dollars for a few days till we air once more a happy and 
united people? " 

Jeff Davis is not pop'lar here. She is regarded as a 
Southern sympathizer, & yit I'm told he was kind to 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 317 

his parents. She ran away from them many years ago, 
and has never bin back. This is showing them a good 
deal of consideration, when we refleck what his con- 
duct has been. Her captur in female apparel confooses 
me in regard to his sex, and you see I speak of him as 
a her as frequent as otherwise, and I guess he feels so 
herself. 

Robert lyce is regarded as a noble feller. 

He was opposed to the war at fust, and draw'd his 
sword very reluctant. In fact, he wouldn't hav' draw'd 
his sword at all, only he had a large stock of military 
clothes on hand, which he did not want to waste. He 
sez the colored man is right, and he will at once go to 
New York and open a Sabbath school for negro min- 
strels. 

The surrender of R. Lee, J. Johnston, and others 
leaves the Confedrit Army in a rather shattered state. 
That army now consists of Kirby Smith, four mules, 
and a Bass drum, and is movin' rapidly to'ds Texas. 

Feelin' a little peckish, I went into a eatin' house to- 
day, and encountered a young man with long black 
hair and slender frame. He didn't wear much clothes, 
and them as he did wear looked onhealthy. He frown- 
ed on me, and sed, kinder scornful, " So, sir — you cum 
here to taunt us in our hour of trouble, do you? " 

" No," said I, '' I cum here for hash ! " 

" Pish-haw!" he said sneeringly, "I mean you are in 
the city for the purpose of gloatin' over a fallen people. 
Others may basely succumb, but as for me, I will never 
yield — NEVER, NEVER! " 

"Hav' suthin' to eat! " I pleasantly suggested. 

" Tripe and onions," he said furely ; then he added, 
" I eat with you, but I hate you. Your a low-lived 
Yankee ! " 

To which I pleasantly replied, " How'll you have 
your tripe?" 



3l8 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

'' Fried, mudsill, with plenty of ham fat ! " 
He et very ravenus. Poor feller ! He had lived on 
odds and ends for several days, eatin' crackers that had 
been turned over by revellers in the bread tray at the 
bar. 

He got full at last, and his hart softened a little tu- 
'ards me. *' After all," he said, '' you hav sum people 
at the North who air not wholly loathsum beasts ! " 

"Well, yes," I sed, "we hav now and then a man 
among us who isn't a cold bluded scoundril. Young 
man," I mildly but gravely said, "this crooil war is 
over, and you're likt ! Its rather necessary for some- 
body to lick in a good square, lively fite, and in this 
'ere case it happens to be the United States of 
America. You fit splendid, but we was too many for you. 
Then make the best of it, & let us all give in and put 
the Republic on a firmer basis nor iver. 

" I don't gloat over your misfortins, my young fren\ 
Fur from it. I'm a old man now, & my hart is softer 
nor it once was. You see my spectacles is misten'd 
with suthin' very much like tears — I'm thinkin' of the 
sea of good rich blood which has been spilt on both 
sides in this dredful war. I'm thinkin' of our widders 
and orfuns North, and of your'n in the South. I kin 
place my old hands tenderly on the fair yung hed of 
the Virginny maid whose lover was laid low in the bat- 
tle dust by a fed'ral bullet, and say as fervently and 
piously as a vener'ble sinner like me kin say anything, 
God be good to you, my poor dear, my poor dear." 

I riz up to go, & takin' my young Southern fren' 
kindly by the hand, I sed, " Yung man, adoo ! You 
Southern fellers is probly my brothers, tho' you've oc- 
casionally had a cussed queer way of showin' it! It's 
over now. Let us all jine in and make a country on 
this continent that shall giv' all Europe the cramp in 
the stummuck ev'ry time they look at us ! Adoo ! 
adoo ! " 



THE IvASir FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 319 

And as I am through, I'll likewise say adoo to you, 
jentle reader, merely remarkin' that the Star Spangled 
Banner is waving round loose again, and that there 
don't seem to be anything the matter with the Goddess 
of Liberty beyond a slite cold. 

Artemus Ward. 



Tuesday, May 2, 1865, 



It is painful to be obliged to re- 
Twentieth Army Corps, ^ord the lawless conduct of our 

Near Wiiliamston, - ,. , . ^' i i 

May 2, 1865. soldiers at any time, particularly 

is it so when that conduct is ut- 
terly without extenuation. Despite the stringent 
orders issued in regard to the peaceable behavior of our 
troops upon their inarch to Richmond, some of the sol- 
diers both of the Army of Georgia and the Army of 
Tennessee have been permitted to straggle from their 
commands, and have committed depredations upon the 
inhabitants much to be deplored. It would seem that 
the roving spirits fostered by army life cannot at once 
be chastened into a domestic one by the white-winged 
angel of peace. 

Most of the depredations which have come under my 
notice, and I am cognizant of many, have been com- 
mitted by men of the Fourteenth Corps, which seems 
to conduct itself as it used to when living upon the 
enemy's country. Houses have been entered and 
robbed of eatables, stables have been opened and plun- 
dered of horses and cattle, and numerous smaller ofifen- 
ses have been committed. It is of no use for corps 
commanders to make rules if they do not take the 
trouble to enforce them. 

The Twentieth Corps has not been entirely guiltless 
of such conduct; but in every instance where the per- 
petrators of an offense could be discovered they have 
been severely punished. 



^HE LAS'T I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 32 1 

Brigadier General William P. 
Robertson County, Texas, Hardemaii's Brio^ade assembled 

May 2, 1865. . ^1 • • j vi 

Confederate Account. ^ maSS tlllS evening, and, With 

General Hardeman in the chair, 
resolved, among other things, that in spite of the re- 
verses to the cis-Mississippi armies, they would not 
abandon the struggle until thejight of self-government 
is fully established. It was also 

Resolved^ That we denounce as cravens those men 
who, having evaded service in the army, use unceasing 
endeavors to instil a want of confidence in the public 
mind as regards the final issue, and hold them as more 
dangerous (being more insidious) than our Yankee foe, 
who avows his object to be our subjugation. 

Resolved^ That we will prosecute this war until our 
independence is achieved, holding in equal esteem the 
vandal foe who seeks to enslave us and the scarcely 
concealed traitor at home, who, by actor word, attempts 
to paralyze our efforts to obtain our just rights- — self- 
government. 

Resolved^ That to our brethren in arms in the cis- 
Mississippi Department we say, "Be of good cheer;" 
anxiously awaiting for orders, we are ready to march to 
your immediate aid ; but if driven from your homes 
and firesides, with high resolves and actuated by stern 
ambition, tread your way to the soil of Texas, where 
our army, determined to be free, awaits your coming ; 
together here, we can yet toil, and struggle, and 
conquer. 

Resolved^ That we will never forget the true patriots 
of our land, the fair women of the South ; they have 
always been found ministering angels around the couch 
of the sick and dying soldier ; with their own hands 
they wrought the comfortable fabrics that have clothed 
and warmed us amid the frozen blasts of winter. 
Others may have despaired; women never; and in the 
future as in the past, we confidently hope to receive 
from her the same bright smile of approval and gentle 
words of encouragement. 



322 the ivast four weeks of the war. 

Generai. Orders, No. 22. — 
Greensborough, N. c, COMRADES : 111 terminating our 

May 2, 1865. re • i i ^- r ^1 

Confederate Account. otticial relations, I earnestly ex- 
hort you to observe faithfully the 
terms of pacification agreed upon, and to discharge the 
obligations of good and peaceful citizens at your homes, 
as well as you have performed the duties of thorough sol- 
diers in the field. By such a course you will best se- 
cure the comfort of your families and kindred, and re- 
store tranquility to the country. 

You will return to your homes with the admiration 
of our people, won by the courage and noble devotion 
you have displayed in this long war. I shall always 
remember with pride the loyal support and generous 
confidence you have given me. 

I now part with you with deep regret, and bid you 
farewell with feelings of cordial friendship, and with 
earnest wishes that you may have hereafter all the 
prosperity and happiness to be found in the world. 
[Official.] J. E. Johnston, 

General, 
Archer Anderson, 

Assistant Adjutant General, 
lyiEUTENANT Colonel Kennard, 

Chief of Ordnance. 



Wednesday, May 3, 1865. 



On the 3d of May, 1863, the 

Twentieth Army Corps, trOOpS HOW COmpOsillg the Tweil- 

"'''MayTises''''" ^ieth Corps (then the Eleventh 
and Twelfth Corps), fonght the 
last day's fight at Chancellorsville. 

On the 3d of May, 1864, the same troops crossed a 
State line passing from Bridgeport, Alabama, to Shell 
Mound, Tennessee. This was the opening of the At- 
lanta campaign. 

On the 3d of May, 1865, the same troops cross an- 
other State line, passing from North Carolina into Vir- 
ginia. 

Thus it will be seen that this day has been an event- 
ful one with the Twentieth Corps. 

All along the road on which the army marches, little 
knots of negroes congregate, many of them from mere 
idle curiosity, others from higher motives touch- 
ing upon their ideas of freedom. These persons are a 
source of unfailing merriment to the soldiers who treat 
them very kindly. They will cheer for whatever they 
are told, and in order to be sure of being on the right 
side, they will hurrah for the Nmiion, as they call the 
Union, and Jeff. Davis in one and the same breath. 
Some of them, through neglect of their masters, are 
more ignorant than I had imagined it was possible for 
a human creature to be. Some of the bands amuse 
themselves by discoursing music to these colored audi- 



324 'I'HE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

tors, and to-day a very funny incident happened upon 
one of these outbursts of music. 

A brigade band, seeing a large gathering of Africans 
by the side of the road in advance, reserved its music 
until exactly opposite them and then commenced a 
tune with a tremendous blast of its trumpets and a 
thundering thump of its bass drum. The effect was 
amazing. lyike the dried leaves of autumn before a 
hurricane, they fled as from a hideous and many 
tongued monster. Once arrived at a safe distance from 
the beast they hid behind trees and viewed, with cau- 
tious eyes, the cause of their dismay. 

The Fourteenth Corps encamped for the night near 
Oxford, and the Twentieth around Williamsborough. 



The old pine woods south of 
Fifth Army Corps, Manchester are luminous to- 

Richmond. Va., -11 r r 1 

May 3, 1865. night With the cauip nres of the 

returning veterans of the Fifth 
Army Corps. To-morrow they will be gratified with 
their first view of the city for which they so long and 
so nobly battled. Their first view, did I say? No, for 
in the long column are scores to whom the town will 
only serve to bring back to memory the long days and 
longer nights of privation and suffering endured in the 
former prison dens of the enemy. Following the Fifth 
will march the Second Corps, both on their way to 
Alexandria, where they will enjoy for a season the rest 
and relaxation to which they are so eminently entitled 
by their arduous service in the field. The battle fields 
of Cold Harbor, North Anna, Spottsylvania and Fred- 
ericksburg will probably be passed on their way to 
their point of destination. 



Thursday, May 4, 1865, 



"Ivieutenant General Taylor has 
MayT^iaek. t^^^ ^^y surrendered to me with 

the forces under his command, 
on substantially the same terms as those accepted by 
General Lee. E. R. S. Canby." ' 



This morning both corps reached 
Twentieth Corps. ^^^^ Roauoke rivcr, at Taylor's 

Near the iVIeherrin River, Va., ^-^ i-- j,i- . / • 

May 4, 1865. Ford, joiucd their poutoou trams, 

forming a bridge three hundred 
and eighty-five yards long, and crossed, the Fourteenth 
Corps thence taking the road to Nottoway Cross Roads 
via Boydtown and Lewistown, and the Twentieth 
making for Black's and White's. 

The day passed without much incident, both com- 
mands making good marches. 



Lieutenant General Taylor has 
Mobile, Alabama, ^\^{^ ^^iw Surrendered the forces 

May 4, 1865. j -u • j t. i. 

Union Account. uudcr his commaud on substan- 

tially the same terms as those 
accepted by General Lee. 

The interview took place at Magee's plantation, 
fourteen miles from Mobile, on the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad. General Canby was accompanied by his 



326 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS C5F THE WAR. 

Chief of Staff, General Osterhaus, and Captain C. T. 
Barrett, Aid-de-Camp, Generals Granger and West, 
and Commodore Palmer, with members of their staffs, 
also went out with the party. General Taylor was ac- 
companied by Colonel Levi, Major Cornell and Captain 
Bullard. 

The interview lasted five hours, three of which were 
private between Canby and Taylor, and what trans- 
pired during that time is not yet made public; but there 
is little doubt, from Canby's well-known sentiments, that 
the terms he offered to the Rebel commander were the 
same as granted by Grant to Lee. General Taylor was 
desirous to obtain similar terms as those at first granted 
by Sherman, but failed. What the exact understand- 
ing arrived at was, we cannot say; but at the termina- 
tion of the interview, which was very pleasant through- 
out, General Taylor started for Meridian, Mississippi, 
and General Canby returned to Mobile. 



Friday, May S, 1865 



As the army nears Richmond 

Twentieth Army Corps, [^ bemns tO grOW impatient. 

Near the Big Nottoway River, Va., ^_. ^- *^ \ 

Mays, 1865. Home becomes near and more 

vivid in the mind's eye, and 
hearts beat more longingly for the loved ones at home. 
The soldiers eagerly discuss the prospects of their 
early muster out of the service, and universally hope 
that they will not be detained any longer than is 
absolutely necessary. 

Since leaving Raleigh the Twentieth Corps has 
marched one hundred and eleven miles in six days, 
going into camp nearly always at three o'clock in the 
afternoon, and the Fourteenth Corps has done equally 
well. There is no trouble in marching troops toward 
home. By Tuesday noon the Army of Georgia will be 
encamped around Richmond. 



We arrived here from Blakely, 

Sixteenth Army Corps, opposite Mobile, OU the 25th of 

""MlyTVseB.'^" April, marching by way of 

Greenville. The distance is 
one hundred and eighty miles ; time of marching, thir- 
teen days, including one day of rest at Greenville. 
Major General Grierson, with a cavalry command, 
passed us at Greenville, striking out to Americus, 
Georgia. He has been heard from at Eufaula, Ala- 



328 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

bama, where Governor Watts had taken up his abode 
and located the fugitive seat of Government of 
Alabama. 

The first half of the march from Blakely was through 
pine woods — barrens the country is called, the soil 
being light, but by no means barren — with very few 
clearings or settlers. A few families of Creek half- 
breeds, and of the " poor white trash," were the only 
inhabitants of the country. 

For two days before we reached Greenville, and 
from Greenville to Montgomery, the country is well 
settled and cultivated. 

No Union army had passed through the country be- 
fore us, and the people were greatly excited and terri- 
fied. The wealthy planters tried to hide their stock 
and supplies, but in vain. The mules and loads of 
bacon were dragged out of the swamps and hiding 
places, to replenish our scant commissary supplies, 
and to replace worn-out animals in the train. 

The negroes hailed us as deliverers. They thronged 
the highways, almost impeding our march. I have 
heard the number that came into Montgomery with 
the corps estimated as high as five thousand. In 
many cases we advised them to stay with their old 
masters, but they said " No da was going to be free," 
and that their old masters had treated them too cruelly. 

One old man seventy-eight years old, born in the 
North and a free man, had been kidnapped at the age 
of fifteen and had been held in slavery sixty-three 
years. He said this was the first chance he had had in 
all these long years of slavery to regain his liberty, 
and he was bound to avail himself of it ; he wouldn't 
risk staying with his old master and take the chance of 
being made free by the laws. 

It was truly surprising to see the correct knowledge 
these negroes had of the war. They knew the "Yanks" 
were their friends ; they knew that the approach of the 
Federal armv meant deliverance. 



Saturday, May 6, 1865, 



"The author of the Southern 
Richmond, va., History of. the War, E. A. Pol- 

May 6, 1865. ^^^^^ ^^^ ^.^ brother, H. E. Pol- 

lard, were arrested last night and committed to Castle 
Thunder. They were connected with The Examiner, 
and have been and are now exceedingly bitter against 
the United States Government. Mr. E. A. Pollard, as 
will be remembered, was for a while prisoner in Fort 
Warren, was paroled and allowed to come to Richmond 
to be exchanged for Mr. A. D. Richardson, but before 
his arrival here Mr. Richardson made his escape from 
Salisbury. General Butler says that he was to be ex- 
changed for Mr. Richardson and no one else. He has 
been at large through the week and has not bridled his 
tongue. 

He was arrested by Colonel Coughlin, of the Tenth 
New Hampshire, who is Provost Marshal of the Dis- 
trict of Virginia, an able and efficient officer. When 
brought before Colonel Coughlin, he said: 'Do you 
take away my parole?' 'O no, you may keep your 
parole, I do not arrest you because you have been con- 
nected with The Examiner, or for what you have pub- 
lished, but for what you have said since the occupation 
of the city.' 

When informed that he was to be sent to Castle 
Thunder, his countenance fell. He asked permission 
to take his clothes, which was granted, and at sunset 
Saturday night he and his brother entered the door 



330 THE I.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

where many better men than they have suffered long 
imprisonment — eaten by vermin, suffocated by intoler- 
able stench, and starved till they were walking skele- 
tons. So the wheel turns, grinding the grinders." 



The Vicksburg Herald extra of 
Ma^y e'^^'isss.^' ^^^^^ ^^^c givcs additional ofhcial 

information confirmatory of the 
surrender of General Dick Taylor and command to 
General Canby on the 4th. This makes almost a clean 
sweep of the R.ebel troops in arms east of the Missis- 
sippi river, there being no other important commands in 
that section to oppose the progress of Union troops. It 
is also stated in the dispatch which was received 
through the Rebel lines, that points in the interior will 
be immediately occupied as garrisons by our troops, in 
order to suppress jayhawkers and guerrillas, preserve 
order and protect the people. The extra says that 
General Dana will probably make his headquarters at 
Jackson, Mississippi, at a very early period. Up to to- 
day about four thousand Rebel prisoners of war have 
been received at this city (Vicksburg) for delivery to 
the Rebel Bureau of Exchange. Colonel N. G. Watts, 
of the Confederate Exchange Bureau, made the follow- 
ing speech to the Confederate prisoners on board: 

Fellow Soldiers: I have received this morning 
official information of the surrender of Lieutenant Gen- 
eral Dick Taylor. / a7n afraid the Confederacy is no 
more. Jackson is no longer ours. I am now the only 
man that has authority to parole you. Those belong- 
ing to the Trans-Mississippi Department wishing to go 
there will be sent. Those of this Department can go 
to their homes, there to remain law-abiding citizens to 
those laws under which you have fallen. You will re- 
main at your homes until further orders. 



Monday, May 8, 1865 



At eight o'clock this morning, 
Army of the Tennesse, Major General Howard and staff, 

Petersburg, Va., '' ^ ^^ . r i_i 

May 8, 18S5. Commanding the Army oi the 

Tennessee, took position in front 
of Jarrett's Hotel for the purpose of reviewing the 
Seventeenth Corps, Major General Frank Blair com- 
manding, as they marched through Petersburg ou their 
way to Richmond and Alexandria. 

According to orders previously received from Head- 
quarters Department of the Tennessee, the Corps 
marched in " column of fours by the flank," which, 
strictly speaking, was not in " order of review." 

As the different Brigades and Divisions of the Corps 
passed through the city, their excellent marching, elas- 
ticity of step and fine soldierly appearance was the sub- 
ject of remark of every one who witnessed them , every 
man was in his proper place, and the different regiments 
were well closed up ; the men looked just as fresh as 
when they started from Raleigh, and were in excellent 
spirits at the prospects of an early return to their 
homes. 

More than two-thirds of the men comprising the 
Army of the Tennessee are veteran troops, who have 
marched through the greater portion of the so-called 
Southern Confederacy, and there are but few regiments 
in the command who have not marched upward of six 
thousand miles, incredible as it may appear, since their 
first enlistment and muster into service. They are 



332 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

consequently trained to marching, and it is doubtful if 
there is any other army in the world capable of making 
the extraordinary marches which Sherman's Army can 
now make with comparative ease. 

The flags which the difl'erent regiments and brigades 
carried, by their tattered and ragged appearance, told 
unmistakably of the many hard-fought battles which 
now form a portion of the history of the country, and 
were frequently applauded and saluted as they passed 
through, by the crowds of soldiers from the garrison of 
this city, who lined the streets and sidewalks along the 
line of march. 

The transportation was in excellent condition, and 
reflected the greatest credit of the General commanding 
and his subordinate officers. They followed in rear of 
the infantry column, and were the subject of remark by 
the officers of the Potomac Army present. 

The Seventeenth Corps will march to Swift Creek, a 
point about six miles distant from Petersburg, and there 
go into camp for night. To-morrow morning they will 
resume their march and proceed as far as Manchester, 
halting on this side of the river, where preparation has 
been made to provide the army with full rations for 
the remainder of the march to Alexandria. 

The Fifteenth Army Corps, Major General John A. 
Logan, will be reviewed to-morrow at about eight 
o'clock in the morning, as they pass through this city 
to Alexandria, via Richmond. 



Dick Turner, the noted turnkey 
Richmond, Va., ^^ Libby Prisou, is securely 

Mays, 1865.' lockcd up iu the most dismal, 

subterranean dungeon of that 
place of torture. There is no pity felt for him in 
Richmond. He is as pale as leprosy, his beard whiten- 
ing, his deficient teeth ajar and his eyes full of terror. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 333 

He is now as mean and cringing in his behavior as, in 
power, he was insolent and cruel. When turnkey, he 
shot men dead with a revolver, who came to the win- 
dows for air and light, kicked and knocked down others, 
and took delight in augmenting the untold miseries of 
the poor prisoners under his charge. He has heard, in 
his loathsome cell, that the soldiers have decreed his 
death so soon as they are fully assured of his identity, 
and his pleadings for mercy are presented to all who 
come near him ; but he pleads to hearts of stone. 



Tuesday, May 9, 1865, 



The Seventeenth and Fifteenth 
^fnl^T^iet Corps of Sherman's Army- 

dusty and tired infantry columns, 
mounted officers, cavalry battalions, martial bands in 
full blast, fluttering banners, rattling artillery trains, 
and rumbling army wagons — have been passing through 
Petersburg all day, bound for Manchester, opposite 
Richmond, and thence for Alexandria, by way of the 
battle-fields of last spring. 

The entire army (that is, all that is coming north, 
at present), struck the Southside Railroad at White's 
and Black's Station, the Twentieth and Fourteenth 
Corps marching direct for Manchester by way of Bever- 
ly's bridge across the Appomattox, and the other two 
corps coming this way, for the sake of more marching 
room. 

The dusty veterans of the South were received by 
our troops here, and the loyal citizens, with every de- 
monstration of respect and admiration. Many were 
the huzzas that greeted them from our own strong- 
lunged boys, and many a waving banner and white 
handkerchief welcomed them, from the windows and 
balconies of Union appreciating citizens. 

I was proud to recognize the native western element 
so strongly marked in this distinguished army. 

Sheridan's Cavalry start from here, overland for 
Alexandria, to-morrow morning. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 335 

The Second Brigade of the Second Division, under 
Colonel Young, have gone in the direction of Lynch- 
burg, for the present, to attend to any police duty that 
may be required of them. 

A considerable amount of travel is now beginning to 
take place on the railroads in this vicinity, and on the 
James river, in the way of Northern people coming 
South, and Southern people going North. They mingle 
as harmoniously together, or more so, than the people 
of the two sections did before the war. 



In the unfinished condition of 

Paroling Johnston's Army, ^]^g j-q^s ^t the close of my pre- 
Ralsigh, N. C, • 1 ^^ ^1 1 \ 11 

May 9, 1865. vious letter, the numbers actually 

paroled of J. B. Johnston's army 
could only be approximated. General Hartsufif has 
since completed the entire lists, from which I have 
been permitted to make up a resume, and I send it 
herewith. 

The whole number of officers and men paroled proves 
to have been twenty-nine thousand nine hundred and 
twenty-four. The officers mentioned personally signed 
their own parole, and also the muster-rolls of their re- 
spective commands. Before doing this, however, they 
were careful to have an inspection of the men actually 
present, refusing to be held for a large number who 
were borne on the rolls, but who had absented them- 
selves. The number of Johnston's army at the time 
hostilities were terminated, on the 17th and i8th of 
April, is estimated by General Hartsuff at fifty thou- 
sand men of all arms. The delay in concluding ne- 
gotiations produced the belief that the war would be 
renewed, and a large number availed themselves of the 
peaceful interlude to make good their escape. It will 
be seen that this makes a clean sweep of the Rebel 
army east of the Mississippi, officers and men, with the 
exception of Hampton, Wheeler, Vaughn, Basil Duke, 



336 THE LAST EOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

and one or two others, who have followed the fortunes 
of Davis toward the Trans-Mississippi. 

A dispatch from General Wilson, commanding the 
cavalry in Georgia, brings the cheering intelligence 
that he had headed off Davis and his party, and had 
pressed them so hard that all his escort except a small 
number had deserted him (report says about forty), and 
these he was pursuing hard after. The news comes 
from Macon, Georgia. 

Upon opening the paroling office at Greensborough, 
General HartsufF observed a Confederate officer who 
had been standing near the door from a very early hour. 
He pressed in eagerly and first signed the following to 
a parole already written out in his own hand: "Rear 
Admiral and Brigadier General, C. S. N. and C. S. A., 
R. Semmes." 

The following is a complete list of Johnston's army : 

General Joseph E. Johnston, commanding Army 
of the Tennessee, personal and general staff 
and executive bureaus, total - - - - 333 

General G. T. Beauregard, "second in com- 
mand," and staff ----- 24 

Provost Marshal General, Army of Tennessee, 

and absentees reporting to him - - - 241 
Unassigned officers and men - - - 106 

Unattached officers and men, Army of Northern 

Virginia - - - - - -- 15 

Major General L. Iv. Lomax and staff - - 12 

Lieutenant General Stewart, staff and head- 
quarters attaches - - - - - -108 

Major General E. C. Walthal - - - 74 

Major General Loring ----- 15 

Major General P. Anderson - _ - 41 

Officers and men of the corps - - - - 8,586 

Total 9,555 



THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. , 337 

Beauregard evidently had regard to his family con- 
nections. There are two " Beauregards " and two 
"Toutants" on his personal staff. He had nine aids-de- 
camp. His signature is one of the boldest and clear- 
est of the whole list. 

Lieutenant General S. D. Lee, staff and head- 
quarters' attaches ri6 

Major General Hill, staff and headquarters' at- 
taches _._---- 22 

Major General Stevenson, staff and headquarters' 

attaches ------- 53 

Officers and men of the corps _ - - 4^765 



Total 4,956 

Lieutenant General W. J. Hardee, staff 

and headquarters, &c - - - 201 

Major General Brown _ - - 82 

Major General R. F. Hoke - - - 62 

Major General Cheatham - - - 153 

Officers and men ----- 9,060 9,558 

Major General Butler (cavalry), staff, &c. 150 

Cavalry Division . _ . - 2,346 2,496 

NAVAL BRIGADE. 

Rear Admiral R. Semmes - - . 203 

Other naval officers and men, under flag 

of Forrest 103 306 

Medical officers, stewards and attendants, 
and officers and men, patients in hos- 
pital ------- 1,002 

Unattached, reserve artillery - - i)252 

Detachments reporting to the Command- 
ant Post at Greensborough - - 717 

Grand total, present and paroled, 

officers and men - - - 29,924 



338 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

The wasting effects of war were never more appar- 
ent than in this Southern army, as may be seen by an 
inspection of these muster-rolls. The following are a 
few sample cases : 

The Forty-sixth North Carolina Volunteers had three 
officers, three non-commissioned officers and eight men 
— total, fourteen. 

The Forty-seventh North Carolina Volunteers had 
two officers, two non-commissioned officers and three 
men — total, seven. 

The Forty-eighth North Carolina Volunteers had 
three officers, three non-commissioned officers and four- 
teen men — total, twenty. 

It required nine regiments of North Carolina troops 
to make a battalion of sixty-one officers and men. 

The original number of these regiments was, maxi- 
mum, one thousand men each. 

The muster-roll of the Second North Carolina Re- 
serves had indorsed upon it "18 men." This was 
scratched out, and the word "boys" substituted for men. 
They were all squirrel-hunting boys. 

Five regiments of North Carolina troops had only, 
footed up, one hundred and fifty-seven men, including 
Brigade Headquarters. 

The First, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth South Carolina 
Cavalry mustered, all told, two hundred and sixty men. 



Wednesday, May 10, 1865 



Colonel Pricliard learned yester- 

Capture of Jefferson Davis. ^^y wlieie Jeflf's party waS en- 
Irwinsvilie, Georgia. -^ ^ *:. ^^p-'...^ 

May 10,1365. cauiped, and just beiore daylight 

this morning we surrounded the 
camp. It was supposed that Davis had a considerable 
force as guard and a severe fight was expected. By an 
unfortunate and so far unaccountable accident one part 
of the force fired upon another, and before the mistake 
was discovered two men were killed and six others 
slightly wounded. Captain Hudson had placed a 
strong guard around the tent where Davis was sup- 
posed to be, and when the firing commenced, thinking 
his duty called him to the fight, he left the tent in 
charge of a Corporal with orders to let no one pass out. 
The Corporal went to the door where he was met by a 
lady, who proved to be Mrs. Davis, and who said that 
tent was occupied by ladies and she hoped they would 
be permitted to dress before being disturbed. Very 
soon, she again and voluntarily appeared at the door, 
with another person in petticoats, morning dress and 
woolen cloak, with a hood closely drawn over the head 
and a pail on her arm. Corporal ordered halt! which 
was of course obeyed, but Mrs. Davis feelingly appeal- 
ed to the Corporal to allow her inother to go to the 
spring for a pail of water — It was hard, even if they 
were prisoners, not to be allowed to get a little water 



340 THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

for their morning ablutions. Mr. Corporal just then 
observed that the morning dress was not quite long 
enough to conceal a pair of boots looking rather too 
heavy for ^^niother^^ to wear, and, with his Spencer car- 
bine presented to the aged lady's head, ordered her to 
remove that cloak. The argument was persuasive, 
even to the chivalry. The disguise was removed and 
Jeff. Davis appeared in full view. Davis said he should 
have defended himself if he had been armed — even if 
he had had a revolver he would have fought with it as 
long as he could. The Corporal replied to him, that he 
didn't appear to be in a very good fighting condition 
just at that time. 

After a hurried breakfast the party was put in march- 
ing order. The prisoners, in ambulances, preceded by 
the band of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, playing first 
"Yankee Doodle," which had evidently a depressing 
influence on the feelings of Mr. Davis; but when in a 
few minutes, the band struck into the somewhat 
familiar air of "John Brown's Body's Marching On," it 
was too much for endurance, and he actually fell pros- 
trate in the ambulance, and was kept from view by his 
friends for a considerable time. 

It was noticed in all his conversations, that his eyes 
were constantly toward the floor, as though the eye of 
a Yankee was not pleasant and agreeable to meet. He 
is dressed in a fine grey suit, and wears a drab soft hat. 
The last four years have added apparently more than 
ten to his age. With Mr. Stephens it is diff'erent. He 
is, for him, in tolerable health, and his eyes are keen 
and pleasant to look upon. He is very agreeable in 
conversation, and earnestly desires a permanent restor- 
ation of the Union. He says the advice and warning 
which he gave to the people of Georgia before she 
seceded were such as a wise man ought to give, but the 
majority overruled him. He concedes that slavery is 
at an end in this country. 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 341 

'' The Rebel troops in Florida, 

'ZTTo.'Bst with all the public property, 

surrendered to McCook to-day. 

The number of troops paroled and already reported is 

7,200, and will, doubtless, reach 8,000 when the returns 

are complete. 

The amount of property received from the Rebel 
authorities was: Ordnance stores — 40 pieces artillery, 
25,000 small arms, 450 sabers, 1,618 bayonets, 1,200 
cartridge boxes, 710 waist belts, 63,000 pounds lead, 
2,000 pounds niter, 200 sets accoutrements, 10,000 
rounds artillery ammunition, fixed, 121,900 rounds 
small ammunition, 700 pounds musket balls, 325 pikes 
and lances, beside large amounts of various other ord- 
nance stores. Quartermaster's stores — 70 horses, 80 
mules, 40 wagons, 4 ambulances, also tools of various 
kinds, with much stationery, clothing, and camp and 
garrison equipage. Commissary stores — 170,000 
pounds bacon, 300 barrels salt, 150 barrels sugar, 100 
barrels syrup, 7,000 bushels corn, 1,200 head of cattle, 
also quantities of flour, ground peas, &c. A large 
amount of hospital stores were also turned in to the 
medical officer, Dr. Chapman. 

Totally unserviceable horses and mules were either 
exchanged for corn or forage, or loaned to the citizens, 
subject to the order of the Federal authorities." 



Thursday, May 11, 1865 



The great event of to-day was 

Fourteenth Army Corps, ^-^^ passage throUgll the citv of a 

Richmond. Va., f ^ r^^ ^ , , , 

May 11, 1865. portioii ot Sherman's noble vet- 

erans, now homeward bound. 
The Fourteenth Corps, Brevet Major General Jefferson 
C. Davis commanding, and the Twentieth Corps, Major 
General John A. Logan, took up the line of march from 
Manchester about seven o'clock this morning, crossing 
the pontoon bridge at Seventeenth street, and marched 
through the town to Brook avenue, the pike leading to 
Hanner Court House — the same route as that taken by 
the Army of the Potomac. 

The appearance of the troops excited the admiration 
of all who had the pleasure of witnessing them on the 
march. The Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps will 
pass through the city to-morrow. 



The Rebel Ram Stonewall, Page 

Havana, t . i ,i • 

May 11, 1865. commandmg, arrived this morn- 

ing reporting from Teneriffe. 
She left that port April ist, but it seems hardly proba- 
ble that she has been forty-one days making the pass- 
age, and the report is that she has come from Nassau. 



Monday, May 15, 1865. 



Joe Brown, late Rebel Governor 
Nashville, Tenn., ^f Qeorgia, was brought to this 

May 15, 1865. -^ i ^ • i,^ ^ 1 

Union Account. City last night as a prisoner, and 

left for Louisville this evening. 
He has been a violent Rebel, but, on account of his op- 
position to Jeff. Davis, he has found some favor with 
the Union people of his State. 

Jeff. Davis is under a strong guard, and will arrive 
in this city on Thursday evening. 

Every Rebel body of regular soldiers, and every 
guerrilla organization in this State, and in northern 
Alabama, has given up to come under General 
Thomas's late order. 

Thousands of Rebel soldiers have arrived here and 
taken oath, and are conducting themselves honorably. 



Tuesday, May 16, 1865. 



General Sheridan has made 

General Sheridan's Account of ^^g j-^port of the Operations 

tn6 D3tli6 3t rlV6 rOrkS* /* j 1 t i 11 

May 16, 1865. 01 the cavalry and such other 

forces as were under his com- 
mand in the closing campaign in Virginia. It bears 
date May 16, would make about three and a half 
columns of this paper, and is written in his usual clear 
pointed and spirited style. He says the effective cav- 
alry force was nine thousand men. 

He says his first orders were to make a raid on the 
Southside railroad, and thence to join General Sher- 



might dictate. But after he had started, and during 
the night of March 29, General Grant sent him in- 
structions to abandon the contemplated raid and act 
with the infantry under his immediate command, and 
if possible turn the right flank of Lee's Army. Gen- 
eral Sheridan then details the operations of March 30, 
which resulted in the forcing back and partial discom- 
fiture of our forces. He then continues : 

"During the night of the 31st of March my head- 
quarters were at Dinwiddie Court House, and the Lieu- 
tenant General notified me that the Fifth Corps would 
report to me and should reach me by midnight. This 
corps had been offered to me on the 30th, but very 
much desiring the Sixth Corps, which had been with 
me in the Shenandoah Valley, I asked for it ; but on 
account of the delay which would occur in moving that 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 345 

corps from its position in the line in the front of Peters- 
burg, it could not be sent to me." 

At three o'clock on the morning of April ist, General 
Sheridan issued his orders to General Warren. They 
were to attack vigorously at daylight, and he adds that 
had General Warren moved according to the expecta- 
tions of the Ivieutenant General, there would appear to 
have been but little chance for the escape of the 
enemy's infantry in front of Dinwiddie Court House. 
General Sheridan's report of this day's operations, 
known as the battle of Five Forks, is written in his 
best style and is a most graphic picture. His plan is 
best told in his own words, viz. : 

"I determined that I would drive the enemy with 
the cavalry to the Five Forks, press them inside of 
their works, and make a feint to turn their right flank, 
and, meanwhile, quietly move up the Fifth Corps with 
a view to attacking their left flank, crush the w^hole 
force if possible, and drive westward those who might 
escape, thus isolating them from their army at Peters- 
burg." 

Happily this conception was successfully executed. 

x\fter speaking of the operations of the cavalry, he 
continues : 

"I then rode over to where the Fifth Corps was going 
into position, and found them coming up very slowly. 
I was exceedingly anxious to attack at once, for the sun 
was getting low, and we had to fight or go back. It 
was no place to entrench, and it would have been 
shameful to have gone back with no results to compen- 
sate for the loss of the brave men who had fallen 
during the day. In this connection I will say that 
General Warren did not exert himself to get up his 
corps as rapidily as he might have done, and his man- 
ner gave me the impression that he wished the sun to 
go down before dispositions for the attack could be 
completed. As soon as the corps were in position I 
ordered an advance. The Fifth Corps, on reaching 



346 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

the White Oak road, made a left wheel and burst on 
the enemy's left flank and rear like a tornado and push- 
ed rapidly on, orders having been given that if the ene- 
my was routed there should be no halt to re-form the 
broken lines. As stated before, the firing of the Fifth 
Corps was the signal to General Merritt to assault, 
which was promptly responded to, and the works of the 
enemy were soon carried at several points by our brave 
cavalrymen. The enemy were driven from their strong 
line of works and completely routed. The Fifth Corps 
doubling up their left flank in confusion, and the cav- 
alry of General Merritt dashing on the White Oak 
road, capturing their artillery and turning it upon 
them and riding into their broken ranks, so demoraliz- 
ed them that they made no serious stand after their 
line was carried, but took to flight in disorder. Between 
five thousand and six thousand prisoners fell into our 
hands, and the fugitives were driven westward, and 
were pursued until long after dark by Merritt's and 
McKenzie's cavalry for a distance of six miles. During 
this attack I again became dissatisfied with General 
Warren during the engagement. Portions of his line 
gave way when not exposed to a heavy fire, and simply 
from want of confidence on the part of the troops, which 
General Warren did not exert himself to inspire. I 
therefore relieved him from the command of the Fifth 
Corps, authority for this action having been sent to me 
before the battle, unsolicited." 

In those extracts General Warren will find the an- 
swer to his late letter in the newspaper, in which he 
professes ignorance of the cause of his supercedure. 
General Sheridan speaks in the warmest terms of the 
Fifth Corps, as well as of his own cavalry force, saying 
they all seemed to realize that the success of the cam- 
paign and the fate of Lee's army depended on the re- 
sult of that day's fighting. The report then details, at 
considerable length, the pursuit of Lee's army. The 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 347 

Opening paragraph of his account of the operations of 
April 3d is as follows: 

"On arriving at Jettersville I learned without doubt 
that Lee and his whole army were at Amelia Court 
House. The Fifth Corps were at once ordered to en- 
trench, with a view of holding Jettersville until the 
main army could come up. It seems to me that this 
was the only chance the Army of Northern Virginia 
had to save itself, which might have been done had 
General Lee promptly attacked and driven back the 
comparatively small force opposed to him, and pursued 
his march to Burkesville Junction." 

In continuing the report, General Sheridan expresses 
regret at having, on the 3d, given up the command of 
Miles's Division of the Second Corps, on the 6th of the 
Fifth Corps, and expresses the belief that he could have 
accomplished more decisive results had he been allowed 
to retain control of these troops. He takes occasion to 
speak in the highest terms of the Sixth Corps, which 
was ordered to report to him on the night of the 5th. 
And he adds, "On the arrival of Major General Wright 
he reported his corps to me, and from that time until 
after the battle received my orders and obeyed them; 
but after the engagement was over and General Meade 
had communicated with General Wright, the latter de- 
clined to make his report to me until ordered to do so 
by the Lieutenant General." 



Friday, May 19, 1865. 



The influx of paroled Rebel 

Memphis. Tenn., troops into Memphis caused a 

May 19, 1365. great excitemeut among the 

negro troops. 

They got up a plot to assassinate every Rebel soldier 

in Memphis in revenge for the Fort Pillow massacre. 

This plot was discovered last night, and the white 
troops were put on guard to watch the movements of 
the negroes. 

At a given hour the negroes attempted to come out 
of the fort to carry out their purpose, when they were 
ordered back again by the white troops. 

The negroes refused to obey the order, and a fight 
forthwith ensued. 

After a short conflict twenty of the negroes were kill- 
ed and wounded and driven back in confusion into the 
fort. 

A strong guard is now kept over them. 



Saturday, May 20, 1865 



It has been ascertained that 

Washington, D. c, while the Rebel General Im- 

May 20, 1865. boden was in charge of Rebel 

prisons South, he issued an order 
to the effect that if any prisoner or prisoners of war 
confined in any of the military prisons in the States of 
Geergia, Alabama, or Mississippi shall engage in any 
meeting, or attempt by force to escape, the guard shall 
instantly fire upon the mutineers, and, if necessary, 
upon the whole body of prisoners, until perfect order is 
restored, and every prisoner found with arms in his 
hands at the time of any meeting or possible attempt 
to escape shall be instantly shot to death, and this pen- 
alty will in no case be remitted where such armed 
prisoners are overpowered by surrendering to the guard 
on the suppression of a meeting. He also directed 
that all prisoners of war who conducted themselves in 
an orderly manner should be treated with that human- 
ity becoming the Christian people of the Confederate 
States. 



Monday, May 22, 1865. 



At one o'clock this afternoon the 

Fortress Monroe, Va., Steamer Silas B. Pierce left Balti- 

May 22,1865. morc wharf at this place with 

Brevet Major General Miles, 
accompanied by other officers of prominence, and pro- 
ceeded immediately to the steamer William P. Clyde, 
at anchor in the stream, with Jeff. Davis and remainder 
of the Rebel party on board. An hour, perhaps suffi- 
cient to give departing Rebels time to take a long 
farewell of friends and dear ones, was awarded them. 
The harbor, which usually is crowded with all kinds 
and classes of vessels, to-day looked almost deserted. 
Scarcely a dozen sail vessels could be counted, and 
even they seemed dull and listless. Colonel Roberts, 
Commander of Fortress Monroe, perceiving the abso- 
lute necessity of maintaining strict discipline in con- 
formity with the wishes of the Government, that the 
transfer of the Rebel party to Fortress Monroe should 
be conducted in as quiet a manner as possible, very 
early in the morning stationed guards in the immediate 
vicinity of the casemates, wherein are cells intended 
for the incarceration of the prisoners, and also along 
the ravines, paths and routes they would be obliged to 
traverse while en route to the Fortress. In a short 
time after the Pierce reached the wharf the prisoners 
began to land. Such were the arrangements strictly 
enforced by the military authorities, that no person 
was allowed to approach the wharf where the prisoners 



'THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 35 1 

landed except at a distance of over five hundred yards. 
As the prisoners marched up the wharf, preceded by a 
guard of their captors of the Fourth Michigan cavalry, 
the tall, spare form of Jeff. Davis, dressed in grey 
clothes and wearing a light felt hat, could be easily 
discerned. As soon as the prisoners were all ashore, 
they were marched up along the beach to the sallyport 
of the water-battery in the rear of the Fortress, and 
thence to their cells in the second tier of casemates. 
Clement C. Clay accompanied Jeff. Davis inside the 
Fortress, and also, it is supposed, the largest portion of 
his personal staff. Mrs. Davis and her four children, 
her brother and sister and the wife of Clement C. Clay 
remain on board the steamer Clyde; and, it is thought, 
will be sent south this evening, as orders have been 
received from the War Department prohibiting them 
from going north. The parting between Jeff. Davis 
and his family is described to have been of an extremely 
affecting nature, during which the feelings of the once 
ambitious and desperate Rebel leader were completely 
overcome. Major General Halleck has been here dur- 
ing the past three days superintending the arrange- 
ments made for the confinement of the Rebel prisoners. 
Stringent orders in relation to visiting the Fortress 
have been issued, and all civilians are prohibited from 
entering it, unless duly provided with a pass from 
Major General Halleck. 



The arrival of the Sixth Corps, 
Richmond, Va., now eucauiped without the 

May 22, 1865. fortificatious of Richmond, has 

broken in upon the dull monot- 
ony of this city, and its crowded streets testify that 
these sturdy veterans enjoy with intense satisfaction 
the privileges of an ended campaign. They left Dan- 
ville last Tuesday, reaching Manchester Saturday after- 
noon. Thursday this corps will pass through Rich- 



352 THE LAST ^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

mond on its way to Alexandria, whether there to be 
mustered out, or to be detailed for a short and impor- 
tant service, cannot at present be known. Furloughs 
are granted twenty a day to each regiment, which will 
give the boys an opportunity to visit the points of 
interest, and see what a dilapidated condition even this 
center of Rebellion had fallen into. 



Tuesday, May 23, 1865. 



Brigadier General Brent, and 

Kirby Smith Ready to Surrender. Colonels DeblaU, C. Burke and 
Baton Rouge, ^^ . • i i j j 

May 23, 1865. Seip amved here to-day as com- 

missioners from Kirby Smith. 
General Herron and Lieutenant Commander Foster 
came down from Red River with them. General Her- 
ron has gone to General Canby, and it is believed here 
that terms are arranged for the surrender of Kirby 
Smith's whole army. 



THE GRAND REVIEW IN WASHINGTON 
AT THE CLOSE OF THE WAR. 



150,000 UNION TROOPS IN LINE. 



This morning, according to gen- 
FiRST DAY. e^-al orders, the Army of the 

Washington, D. C, -p. , \ j ttt i • . 

Tuesday. May 23, 1865. Potomac entered Washington,. 

and were reviewed by President 

Johnson. The weather was everything that could be 



354 I'HE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

____ . - — 

desired. The atmosphere was pleasant, the sun shone 
with unclouded splendor, and the recent rains have laid 
the dust, thus rendering the streets in good marching 
condition. Thousands of persons, including many from 
other cities who had specially come to see the pageant, 
lined the sidewalks from the Capitol to the Executive 
Mansion, a distance of a mile and a half, while win- 
dows, and balconies and all eligible positions, including 
housetops, were occupied by deeply interested specta- 
tors. All public business was suspended, and there 
was a general holiday. The Capitol bore the motto in 
large letters, " The only national debt we never can pay 
is the debt we owe to the victorious Union soldiers." 
The national flag flew from all the public buildings, 
while from the windows on the line of procession the 
Stars and Stripes were profusely displayed. 

At 9 o'clock the seemingly interminable lines of bris- 
tling bayonets and flashing sabers, borne by the boys 
in Federal blue commenced to untold themselves 
around the National Capitol where, as was meet, the 
children of the city to the number of many thousands 
had come to greet the battle-worn and scarred heroes 
of the Republic with banners, mottoes, songs of cheer, 
garlands of flowers and approving smiles. The im- 
mense column moved in the following^ order : 



ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 

General George G. Meade, Commander and Staff. 

Squadron of the ist Massachusetts Cavalry as Head- 
quarters Escort. 

CAVALRY CORPS. 

Major General MerriTT, Commanding. 
Headquarters Escort, 5th U. S. Cavalry. 



I'HE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 355 

THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION. 

General George A. Custer, Commanding. 

ist Brigade, Colonel Wells, Commanding. 

15th N. Y. Cavalry. 8th N'. Y. Cavalry. 

I St Vt. Cavalry. 

2d Brigade, Colonel Capehart, Commanding. 

2d W. Va. Cavalry. 3d W. Va. Cavalry. 

ist W. Va. Cavalry. istN. Y. Light Cavalry. 

3d Brigade, Colonel Pennington, Commanding. 

2d N. Y. Cavalry. 24th N. Y. Cavalry, 

ist N. J. Cavalry. ist Penna. Cavalry. 

This is Cnster's Division, one which has accomplished 
more in a short space of time than any other division 
in the army. It is probably the finest division of 
troopers in the world. The following address of Gen- 
eral Custer to his troops will give some idea of the 
tremendous blows struck at the Rebellion by this 
division : 

Headquarters Thikd Cavalry Division, 
Appomattox Court House, Va., April 9, 1865. 

Soldiers of the Third Cavalry Division : With 
profound gratitude toward the God of battles, by whose 
blessiners our enemies have been humbled and our arms 
rendered triumphant, your Commanding General avails 
himself of this, his firsts opportunity, to express to you 
his admiration of the heroic manner in which you have 
passed through the series of battles which to-day 
resulted in the surrender of the enemy's entire army. 

The record established by your indomitable courage 
is unparalleled in the annals of war. Your prowess has 
won for you even the respect and admiration of your 
enemies. During the past six months, although in 
most instances confronted by superior numbers, you 
have captured from the enemy, in open battle, one 



356 THE I.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

■ s 

hundred and eleven pieces of field artillery, sixty-five 
battle-flags, and upwards of ten thousand prisoners of 
war, including seven general officers. Within the past 
ten days, and included in the above, you have captured 
forty-six pieces of field artillery and thirty-seven battle- 
flags. You have never lost a gun, never lost a color, 
and have never been defeated ; and notwithstanding 
the numerous engagements in which you have borne a 
prominent part, including these memorable battles of 
the Shenandoah, you have captured every piece of 
artillery which the enemy has dared to open upon you. 
The near approach of peace renders it improbable that 
you will again be called upon to undergo the fatigues 
of the toilsome march or the exposure of the battle- 
field ; but should the assistance of keen blades, wielded 
by your sturdy arms, be required to hasten the coming 
of that glorious peace for which we have been so long 
contending, the General commanding is proudly confi- 
dent that, in the future as in the past, every demand 
will meet with a hearty and willing response. 

Let us hope that our work is done, and that, blessed 
with the comforts of peace, we may be permitted to 
enjoy the pleasures of home and friends. For our 
comrades who have fallen, let us ever cherish a grate- 
ful remembrance. To the wounded, and to those who 
languish in Southern prisons, let our heartfelt sym- 
pathy be tendered. 

And now, speaking for myself alone : When the war 
is ended and the task of the historian begins — when 
those deeds of daring which have rendered the name 
and fame of the Third Cavalry Division imperishable 
are inscribed upon the bright pages of our country's 
history, I only ask that my name may be written as 
that of the commander of the Third Cavalry Division. 

G. A. Custer, 
Brevet Major General Commanding. 

ly. W. Barnhart, Captain and A. A. A. G. 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 357 

The third brigade of this division has done the 
heaviest fighting. This was formerly commanded by 
Custer. 

In the battle of Moorfield, on the 7th of August, 
1864, the brigade distinguished itself in a most extra- 
ordinary manner. To its valor we are mainly indebted 
for that brilliant victory which gave us forty-two Rebel 
officers as prisoners, several hundred privates, four 
pieces of artillery and five battle-flags. The cup of 
rejoicing at Moorfield was not without mingled emo- 
tions of sorrow ; indeed, when it was known that Major 
S. B. Conger and Lieutenant L. Clark of the Third 
West Virginia Cavalry were among the killed, a great 
grief spread through the entire brigade. Two braver 
officers never drew swords in defense of a country. Peace 
to their memory. In the five days' fighting that took 
place in the vicinity of Bunker Hill, in the Shenandoah, 
the brigade again added fresh laurels to the many 
already acquired. These laurels, however, were not 
won without heavy loss. Among their captures were 
three battle-flags and Early's headquarters wagons, as 
well as many prisoners. It again bore conspicuous 
part in the sanguinary battle of the Opequan, fought 
on the 19th of September, 1864, and again at the battle 
of Fisher's Hill, on the 226.. It had the right of the 
line, which they held against overwhelming odds, 
turning the enemy's left and probably deciding the 
battle in our favor. At Mount Jackson, on the 23d, it 
again behaved admirably. On September 24th, 1864, 
Colonel H. Capehart, of Ohio, was appointed to the 
command of the brigade. The appointment has fully 
vindicated the wisdom of the appointing power, as the 
Colonel has justly established a reputation of which 
any officer might well be proud. The first day the 
Colonel commanded the brigade, they killed seventeen 
of Rosser's Cavalry. On September 26th, the enemy was 
driven from Wier's Cave through Brown's Gap, and on 
the 27th was fought the battle of Wier's Cave, in 



358 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

which we suffered severely. About the 6th of October 
the brigade bore an honorable part in the successful 
reconnoissance to Sperryville, as also later at Guard 
Hill, and still later it acquitted itself with honor in the 
two successive attacks at Milford. In the fearful battle 
of Cedar Creek, on the 19th, our cavalry of which the 
Third was the most prominent brigade, held in check 
the enemy's cavalry, and prevented our forces from 
being flanked, and is thought by many to have changed 
the fortunes of that fearful day. On the 12th of 
November the battle of Nineveh was fought by this 
brigade aloii^. It was one of the cleanest victories ever 
achieved in the valley. Among tlie captures were two 
pieces of artillery, two battle-flags, two hundred pris- 
oners, and McCausland's entire wagon train. 

At Waynesborough on March 2, 1865, the First and 
Second Brigades of the Third Division, under the im- 
mediate supervision of General Custer — who was on 
the field, carefully arranging the programme of the 
battle and inspiring all with his own spirit and deter- 
mination — was massed and a part dismounted on the 
right, leaving the center open for the Third, which 
opportunity they at once improved, behaving, as the 
regiments composing this brigade have always done, in 
the very best possible manner. The work was short, 
decisive, and the victory complete, the chivalry run- 
ning in the wildest confusion without system or order, 
and our men thundering at their heels. We charged 
them ten miles through Rockfish Gap, over fences, 
hedges, ditches and dikes, and through the deep mud, 
regardless of suffering and personal peril, until the 
dense darkness compelled a halt, when the results of 
victory were summed up as follows : Fourteen hundred 
and fifty prisoners, eleven guns, nine battle-flags, one 
hundred and fifty wagons heavily laden with every 
variety of stores, including General Early's headquarter 
wagons with his personal wares, &c., &c. Never was 
victory more complete or the route of an army more 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 359 

thorough. Again at the battle of Dinwiddle Court 
House, the brigade distinguished itself. It had been 
in the rear of the wagon train, but at that critical 
moment General Custer sent for and hurried it up, a 
distance of eight miles on the gallop. The field was 
reached just at the opportune moment, and it was prob- 
ably owing to its arrival that the enemy fell back dur- 
ing the night. At the fearful and decisive battle of 
Five Forks, on the 31st of March, the position of the 
brigade was on the left of the line, where it distinguish- 
ed itself by completely flanking the enemy and cutting 
off his retreat, and thus contributing greatly to break 
the lock that had so long kept us out of Richmond. 

On April 3d the brigade signalized itself by its great 
bravery at the battle of Sailor's Creek, capturing seven 
pieces of artillery, fifteen hundred prisoners, fourteen 
battle-flags, five Major Generals, viz. : Major General 
Ewell, Major General Kershaw, Major General Custus 
Lee, Major General Burton Corse, and Major General 
Semmes, also one hundred wagons. With a degree of 
impetuosity seldom equaled, and a bravery equal to 
that of the Spartan band, this brigade alone charged 
and carried the enemy's works, which were defended 
by two lines of infantry. In the great charges of this 
war there has been few, if any, more brilliant. 

SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION. 

General Henry B. Davis, Commanding. 

ist Brigade. 

loth N. Y. Cavalry. 24th N. Y. Cavalry, 

ist N. J. Cavalry. ist Penna. Cavalry. 

FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION. 

General Thomas C. Deven, Commanding. 

Reserve Brigade, General Gibbs, Commanding. 

6th N. Y. Battalion. 2d Mass. Cavalry. 

6th Penna. Cavalry. 



360 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

2d Brigade, Colonel C. L. Fitzhugh, Commanding. 

6th N. Y. Battalion. ist N. Y. Cavalry. 

20th Penna. Cavalry. lyih Penna. Cavalry. 

9tli N. Y. Cavalry. 

ist Brigade, Colonel Peter Stagg, Commanding. 

6th Michigan Cavalry. 7th Michigan Cavalry, 

ist Michigan Cavalry. 5th Michigan Cavalry. 

Horse Artillery Brigade, Colonel James M. Robertson, 
Commanding. 

Battery C, 2d U. S. Battery B, 2d U. S. 

Battery L, 2d U. S. Battery L, 5th U. S. 

Battery D, 2d U. S. Battery M, 2d U. S. 

Battery C, 4th U. S. Battery E, 4th U. S. 

6th New York Independent Battery. 

Provost Marshal Generals' Brigade, General G, N. 
Macy, Commanding. 

2d Penna. Cavalry. ist Mass. Cavalry. 

3d U. S. Infantry. loth U. S. Infantry. 

Engineers Brigade, General W. H. Benham, 
Commanding. 

Battalion of Regular Engineers. 

15th N. Y. Engineers. 50th N. Y. Engineers. 

SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION. 

The following circular will give an idea of the work 
accomplished in one campaign by the 2d Brigade of 
this division : 

Hdqrs. Second Brigade, First Cavalry Division, 1 
Middle Military Division, Nov. 6, 1864. J 

Soldiers : The Brevet Brigadier General Com- 
manding feels that he should not allow the present op- 
portunity to pass without referring to and recalling the 
operations of his brigade during the late engagements. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 361 

Rapidly transferred from the Army of the Potomac to 
the Shenandoah Valley, you, on the Second day's 
march, engaged a brigade of mounted infantry and in 
one hour drove them from two strong positions in utter 
rout. Again, at Front Royal, Smithfield, Kearneys- 
ville, and Shepherdstown, your sturdy arms and keen 
sabers on each occasion hurled back the serried masses 
of the foe. At the battle of the Opequan, after charg- 
ing and routing a superior force of the enemy's cavalry 
in your front, you whirled like a thunderbolt on the 
left of his infantry lines, and rode them down in the 
face of a withering fire, in two successive charges, 
capturing over five hundred prisoners and five battle- 
flags. 

When detached from the Division, and in advance 
during the long pursuits of Early's army from Fisher's 
Hill to Port Republic, your gallantry and daring while 
pressing the enemy called forth the highest praise. In 
the action of the 9th of October, taking the advance 
near Edinburg, you drove Lomax's Division "whirl- 
ing" through Mount Jackson and across the Shenan- 
doah, capturing his last gun and his train. 

On the memorable 19th of October the crowning 
glory was reserved for you, of pursuing the enemy and 
reaping the fruits of that brilliant victory. After stur- 
dily fighting from early morn with the gallant old 
Division to which you are attached, in its successful 
efforts to check and finally drive the enemy's right, 
you dashed across the bridge over Cedar Creek, under 
a heavy fire, charging and completely smashing the 
enemy's rear guard. Darkness did not relax your 
efforts, but on you pushed, capturing guns, trains and 
prisoners, until at near midnight, you had reached 
Fisher's Hill, eight miles from the battle-field. 

At early dawn you charged and drove the enemy's 
cavalry from the hill, and pushed on to Woodstock 
after the fast flying foe, who could not again be over- 
taken. 



362 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

Twenty-two of the forty-three guns captured by the 
cavalry, fifty-nine wagons and ambulances, over four 
hundred prisoners (including a number of officers), and 
two battle-flags, were the trophies of your success. 

You have captured during this short campaign, 
twenty-four guns, nine battle-flags in action, and over 
one thousand prisoners. 

This brilliant success has not been effected without 
severe loss. One-third of your number, including forty 
officers, have been killed or wounded. They have 
fallen nobly at their post of duty. 

Praise from me is superfluous. The record of your 
deeds is sufficient. You have done your duty, and the 
Brigade has maintained its old reputation. 

Thomas C. Deven, 
Brevet Brigadier General. 

FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION. 

This brigade, now generally known as the Michigan 
or Custer's old brigade, is at present commanded by 
Colonel Peter Stagg, whose masterly management of 
the same during the spring campaign of 1865 has won 
both for it and himself imperishable laurels. It is 
composed of four Michigan regiments, the First, Fifth, 
Sixth and Seventh. The First, commanded by Lieu- 
tenant Colonel Maxwell, made a most brilliant charge 
at Five Forks, immediately under the eye of General 
Sheridan. Colonel Maxwell here lost a leg. The 
F'ifth, commanded by Colonel Hastings, the Sixth by 
Lieutenant Colonel Vinton, and the Seventh by Lieu- 
tenant Colonel Briggs, all distinguished themselves at 
this the great fight of the season. At Sailor's Creek, 
April 6th, Colonel Stagg took his orders directly from 
General Sheridan, and with his brigade made two dis- 
tinct and brilliant charges, for which he was compli- 
mented on the field. At Appomattox also it was hotly 
engaged, and was pressing the enemy heavily when 
the dirty white rag was displayed which virtually said 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 363 



treason was satisfied with war and desired peace. 
Thus, perhaps, may end the military career of one of 
the most noted brigades in the cavalry service. 

RESERVE liRIGADE, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION. 

This brigade was organized in March, 1863, as the 
Reserve (or Regular) Brigade, First Cavalry Division, 
as it was composed of the First, Second, Fifth and 
Sixth United States Cavalry only ; which regiments 
have always been identified with the brigade, and 
have done the best of service. Various volunteer regi- 
ments have been attaclied to it from time to time, and 
done good duty in every respect. The brigade has 
been commanded by the late Major General John 
Buford, while Brigadier General ; Major General Wes- 
ley Merritt, while Brigadier General; the late Brigadier 
General Charles R. Lowell, while Colonel, and Briga- 
dier General Alfred Gibbs, its present commander. 

All will remember the reception on the day of its ar- 
rival ; the streets were filled with joyful people — bands, 
glee clubs, church choirs and Sabbath school classes 
were playing and singing patriotic airs of welcome, and 
the wildest enthusiasm prevailed. The Division play- 
ed a most conspicuous part upon that great battle-plain. 
Striking Lee in flank it brought him to bay in the right 
place, and then held him for one entire day, until Gen- 
eral Meade could get his gallant army up and in posi- 
tion. 

Buford's reputation was made from that day forward, 
and the Division carried with it the highest meed of 
praise. It participated in all the subsequent actions of 
the campaign — prominent at Falling Waters, Shepards- 
town, Brandy Station, Culpepper, and Raccoon Ford 
on the Rapidan River. 

It participated in the most important reconnoissances 
that developed the design of General Lee to flank the 
Army of the Potomac in the fall of the same year, 
covering his left and rear from the south banks of the 



364 THE LAST FOUR WEKKS OF THE WAR. 



Rapidan river to the defenses of Washington without 
the loss of a solitary wagon^ holding in check day after 
day the impulsive charges of Lee's best troops. 

Especially did it distinguish itself at Stephensburg, 
Brandy Station, and Oak Hill. In the subsequent ad- 
vance of the same season, it played a prominent part 
on the extreme right, south of Sulphur Springs. In 
this campaign the lamented Buford contracted the dis- 
ease that cost him his life, to the sorrow of every officer 
and man in the division. Brigadier General Merritt 
succeeded him in command. In the spring of 1864 the 
corps was re-organized under Major General Sheridan 
and Brigadier General Torbert was assigned to com- 
mand of the division. General Merritt to the com- 
mand of the Cavalry Reserve Brigade, General Curtis 
the First Brigade, and Colonel Deven the Second Brig- 
ade. The division became the right bower of Sheri- 
dan, and participated in all the engagements of the 
campaign against Richmond in 1864 — including the 
raid around Richmond and Trevillian Station. Re- 
turning and crossing the James, it was employed on 
the left of the army, until, July, 1864, it embarked for 
the Shenandoah Valley. General Torbert was then 
made Chief of Cavalry, and General Merritt again took 
command of the division. To it and its gallant com- 
mander, in a peculiar measure belongs the glory of the 
battle of Winchester, on the 19th of September ; its 
captures during the bloody campaign were immense ; 
it took part in every engagement, and captured more 
guns and materials on the 19th of October, at Cedar 
Creek, than it could remove during the entire night. 
Under command of Brigadier General Thomas C. 
Deven, on the 27th of February, 1865, it commenced 
its march with the corps to rejoin the Army of the 
Potomac, raiding through to the White House ; thence 
via Deep Bottom to the left of the army. Again it led 
the advance to the Five Forks, and there, after three 
days of the severest fighting on record, carried the 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 365 

position, as shown by the dispatch of President Lin- 
coln of April 2. Joining in the pursuit of the now 
routed Rebel army, it fought by day and inarched by 
night until, the 9th of April, it locked hands with its 
gallant comrades around the terror-stricken minions of 
Secession at Appomattox Court House ; returning to 
Petersburg with the corps, it hastily refitted, and 
marched upon Johnston in North Carolina, reaching 
the Don river; and the surrender of the enemy 
becoming known to the satisfaction of the authorities, 
it returned via Richmond to Washington. The divi- 
sion never lost a gtm — perhaps more than can be said 
of any other in this department ; with its history is 
associated the greatest battles and the grandest victor- 
ies and the most distinguished cavalry officers of the 
war. The names of Pleasonton, of Buford, of Merritt, 
of Torbert and Deven, of Gibbs and Stagg and Fitz- 
hugh, are inseparably associated with the coming his- 
tory of this war, and will be remembered in gratitude 
through generations to come. 

The organization in the last campaign is as follows : 

Division Commander, Brigadier General Thomas C. 
Deven. Brigade Commanders : Brigadier General 
Gibbs, Commander Reserve Brigade ; Colonel Peter 
Stagg, First Brigade ; Colonel Charles L. Fitzhugh, 
Second Brigade. 

The organization of the First Cavalry Division dates 
back to December i, 1862, immediately after the ill- 
fated battle of Fredericksburg, and was commanded by 
Brigadier General Alfred Pleasonton. It consisted of 
the First and Second Brigades, commanded respect- 
ively by Colonels Grimes Davis and Thomas C. Deven. 
It participated in the battle of Chancellorsville, and 
won for itself an undying renown, see General Pleas- 
onton's complimentary order of that date. Its gal- 
lantry in that engagement made its commander a full 
Major General, who shortly after took command of the 



366 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

Cavalry Corps. The division was for a short time after- 
ward commanded by Colonel Thomas C. Deven, who 
fought it under the direction of Brigadier General John 
Buford, in the battle of Beverly Ford, in June, 1863. 
The engagement was a severe one, and the division 
received the complimentary order of its commander. 
General Buford was shortly afterward assigned to the 
command, bringing with him to the division the '' Cav- 
alry Reserve Brigade," embracing all the regular cav- 
alry in this Department, then commanded by Brigadier 
General Wesley Merritt. As thus reorganized, the 
division participated in the grand Pennsylvania cam- 
paign of 1863. At the battle of Upperville it carried 
everything before it — gorging Stuart's thousands in 
the gapping rear of the town — turning its back upon 
the retreating foe, its march to Gettysburg was at once 
unprecedented — almost forty-eight hours in rear of the 
Army of the Potomac in developing to a certainty the 
ingenious design of the Rebel Lee, it marched past its 
faithful comrades with the speed of veteran patriots 
and reached the famous hills of Gettysburg twenty-four 
hours in advance of Meade's infantry. 

LIST OF ENGAGEMENTS. 

Kelly's Ford, March 18, 1863. 

Fleming's Cross Roads, May 4, 1863. 

Beverly Ford, June 9, 1863 — loss heavy. 

Upperville June 21, 1863. 

Gettysburg, July i, 2 and 3, 1863 — loss very heavy. 

Williamsport, July 6, 1863. 

Boonsborough and Funkstown, July 8, 9 and 10, 1863. 

Falling Waters, July 14, 1863. 

Manassas Gap, July 21, 1863. 

Brandy Station, August i, 1863. 

Sudley's Church, October, 1863. 

Manassas Plains, October, 1863. 

Culpepper, November, 1863. 



THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 367 

Sulphur Springs, November, 1863. 
Mine Run, December, 1S63. 
Todd's Tavern, May 7 and 8, 1864 — loss heavy. 
Yellow Tavern (near Richmond), May, 1864. 
Meadow Bridge, May, 1864. 
Mechanicsville, May, 1864. 
Hanovertown, May, 1864. 
Haugh's Shop, May, 1864. 
Old Church, May, 1864. 

Cold Harbor, May, 1864 — two days, loss very heavy. 
Deep Bottom, July, 1864. 

Stone Church (Shenandoah Valley), August, 1864. 
Newtown, iVugust, 1864 — loss heavy. 
Kernstown, September, 1864. 
Skirmishes on Opequan Creek, September, 1864. 
Winchester, September 19, 1864 — severe. 
Milford, September 23, 1864. 
Luray Court House, September 24, 1864. 
Waynesborough, September 28, 1864. 
Mount Crawford, October 4, 1864. 
Fisher's Hill, October 8, 1864. 

Tom's Brook (Woodstock Races ), October 9, 1864. 
Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864 — loss heavy. 
Five Forks (skirmish), March 30, 1865. 
Dinwiddie Court House, March 31, 1865. 
Five Forks, April i, 1865 — severe. 
Sailor's Creek, April 6, 1865. 

Appomattox Court House (Clover Hill), April 9, 
1865. lyce surrenders. 

In addition to the above, the Second Massachusetts 
Cavalry, while attached to the Third Brigade, First 
Division (disorganized September 8, 1864), was en- 
gaged at Summit Point, Charleston, Halltown, Berry- 
ville Pike, and Berryville, in the Shenandoah Valley. 



368 THE I.AST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 

NINTH ARMY CORPS. 

General John G. Parke, Commander and Stafif. 

FIRST DIVISION. 

General O. B. WiLCOX, Commanding, 
ist Brigade, Colonel Samuel Harriman, Commanding. 

38tli Wis. Infantry. zyth. Mich. Infantry. 

17th Mich. Infantry. 27th Wis. Infantry. 

109th N. Y. Infantry. 79th N. Y. Infantry. 

2d Brigade, Colonel Ralph Ely, Commanding. 

2d Mich. Infantry. 46th N. Y. Infantry. 

50th Penna. Inlantry. 20th Mich. Infantry, 

looth Penna. Infantry. 

3d Brigade, General N. B. McLaughlin, Commanding. 
3d Md. Battalion. 5th Mass. Infantry. 

14th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. 59th Mass. Infantry. 

SECOND DIVISION. 

General S. S. Griffin, Commanding, 
ist Brigade, Colonel Sumner Carruth, Commanding. 

39th N. J. Infantry. 48th Penna. Infantry. 

7th R. I. Infantry. 45th Penna. Infantry. 

58th Mass. Infantry. 36th Mass. Infantry. 

35th Mass. Infantry. 51st N. Y. Infantry. 

2d Brigade, Colonel Herbert, Commanding. 

nth N. H. Infantry. 56th Mass. Infantry. 

179th N. Y. Infantry. 17th Vt. Infantry. 

31st Me. Infantry. i86th N. Y. Infantry. 

2d Md. Infantry. 6th N. H. Infantry. 

9th N. H. Infantry. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 369 

THIRD DIVISION. 

General John G. Curtin, Commanding. 

ist Brigade, General G. S. Beale, Commanding. 

i5tli Me. Infantry. ii4tli N. Y. Infantry. 

29th Me. Infantry. 30th Mass. Infantry, 

ist Me. Battalion. 

2d Brigade, General B. P. Davis, Commanding. 

153d N. Y. Infantry. 8th Vt. Infantry 

I2tli Conn. Infantry. 26tli Mass. Infantry. 

47th Penna. Infantry. 

3d Brigade, General J. D. Fessenden, Commanding. 

173d N. Y. Infantry. i6otli N. Y. Infantry. 

i62d N. Y. Infantry. 133d N. Y. Infantry. 

30th Me. Infantry. 

Ninth Corps Artillery Brigade, General J. C. Tidball, 
Commanding. 

34th N. Y. Battery. 7th Me. Battery. 

19th N. Y. Battery. nth Mass. Battery. 

27th N. Y. Battery. 
Battery D, Penna. Heavy Artillery. 



ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 

SECOND ARMY CORPS. 

General A. A. Humphreys, Commander and Staff. 
Escort, Co. F, ist New Jersey Cavalry. 

first DIVISION. 

General John Ramsey, Commanding. 

ist Brigade, Colonel John Eraser, Commanding. 

6ist N. Y. Infantry. 31st Penna. Infantry. 

140th Penna. Infantry. 26th Mich. Infantry. 

5th N. H. Infantry. 2d N. Y. Heavy Artillery. 



370 THE I.AST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

2d Brigade, Colonel Robert Nugent, Commanding. 

69tli N. Y. Infantry. 28tli Mass. Infantry. 

88th N. Y. Infantry. 4th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. 

63d N. Y. Infantry. 

3d Brigade, General C. D. McDougall, Commanding. 

39tli N. Y. Infantry. 52d N. Y. Infantry. 

125th N. Y. Infantry. iiith N. Y, Infantry. 

126th N. Y. Infantry. 7th N. Y. Infantry. 

4th Brigade, Colonel S. A. Mulholland, Commanding. 

ii6th Penna. Infantry. 53d Penna. Infantry. 

183d Penna. Infantry. 145th Penna. Infantry. 

64th N. Y. Infantry. 148th Penna. Infantry. 

Second Army Corps Artillery Brigade, Colonel J. G. 
Hazard, Commanding. 

Battery K, 4th U. S. Battery B, ist R. I. 

Battery B, ist N. J. Battery M, ist N. H. 

loth Mass. Battery. nth N. Y. Battery. 

SECOND DIVISION. 

General Francis C. Barlow, Commanding. 

ist Brigade, Colonel William A. Ohnstead, Command- 
ing. 

59th N. Y. Infantry. 19th Me. Infantry. 

184th Penna. Infantry. 36th Wis. Infantry. 

20th Mass. Infantry. 19th Mass. Infantry. 

7th Mich. Infantry. ist Minn. Infantry. 

I52d N. Y. Infantry. 

2d Brigade, Colonel J. P. Mclvor, Commanding. 

8th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. 170th N. Y. Infantry. 
155th N. Y. Infantry. 164th N. Y. Infantry. 

69th N. Y. National Guard. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 371 

3d Brigade, Colonel D. Woodall, Commanding. 

io8th N. Y. Infantry. loth N. Y. Infantry. 

69th Penna. Infantry. ist Del. Infantry. 

4th Ohio Infantry. 7tli W. Va. Infantry. 

1 2th N. J. Infantry. 14th Conn. Infantry. 

1 06th Penna. Infantry. 

THIRD DIVISION. 

General G. G. MoTT, Commanding. 

ist Brigade, General R. DeTrobriand, Commanding. 

1st Me, Heavy Artillery. 20th Ind. Infantry, 

iioth Penna. Infantry. 99th Penna. Infantry. 

40th N. Y. Infantry. 86th N. Y. Infantry. 

73d N. Y. Infantry. 124th N. Y. Infantry. 

2d Brigade, General R. B. Pierce, Commanding. 

17th Me. Infantry. 105th Penna. Infantry. 

5th Mich. Infantry. 93d N. Y. Infantry. 

141st Penna. Infantry. 57th Penna. Infantry, 

ist Mass. Heavy Artillery. 

3d Brigade, General R. McAllister, Commanding. 

7th N. Y. Infantry. i2oth Mich. Infantry, 

nth Mass. Infantry. 8th N. Y. Infantry. ' 

nth N. Y. Infantry. 



ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 

FIFTH ARMY CORPS. 

General Chari.es Griffin, Commanding and Staff. 

FIRST DIVISION. 

General J. H. Chamberlain, Commanding, 
ist Brigade, General A. L. Pearson, Commanding. 
198th Penna. Infantry. 185th N. Y. Infantry. 



372 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

2d Brigade, Generacl E. M. Gregory, Commanding. 

189th N. Y. Infantry. 187th N. Y. Infantry. 

i88th N. Y. Infantry. 

3d Brigade, Colonel J. Cushing Edmonds, Command- 
ing. 
32d Mass. Infantry. 20th Me. Infantry. 

<9ist Penna. Infantry. ist Me. Infantry. 

1 6th Mich. Infantry. 155th Penna. Infantry, 

ist Mich. Infantry. ii8th Penna. Infantry. 

83d Penna. Infantry. 

SECOND DIVISION. 

General R. B. Ayres, Commanding, 
ist Brigade, General J. Hayes, Commanding. 
114th Penna. Infantry. 5th N. Y. Infantry. 

146th N. Y. Infantry. 140th N. Y. Infantry. 

15th N. Y. Heavy Artillery.6ist Mass. Infantry. 

2d Brigade, General A. W. Dennison, Commanding, 
ist Md. Infantry. 4th Md. Infantry. 

7th Md. Infantry. 8th Md. Infantry. 

3d Brigade, General James Gwyn, Commanding. 
190th Penna. Infantry. 210th Penna. Infantry. 

4th Del. Infantry. 3d Del. Infantry. 

8th Del. Infantry. 191st Penna. Infantry. 

THIRD DIVISION. 

General S. S. Crawford, Commanding, 
ist Brigade, General H. A. Morrow, Commanding. 
6th Wis. Infantry. 7th Wis. Infantry. 

91st N. Y. Infantry. Independent Battalion 

Sharp Shooters. 

2d Brigade, General Henry Baxter, Commanding. 

nth Penna. Infantry. 97th N. Y. Infantry. 

104th N. Y. Infantry. i6th Me. Infantry. 

39th Mass. Infantry. 107th Penna. Infantry. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 373 

3d Brigade. 
64th N. Y. Infantry. i42d Penna. Infantry. 

95th N. Y. Infantry. 88tli Penna. Infantry. 

I2ist Penna. Infantry. 56th Penna. Infantry. 

147th N. Y. Infantry. 

Fifth Army Corps Artillery Brigade, General C. S. 
Wainwright, Commanding. 
Battery B, 4th U. S. Battery H, ist N. Y. 

Battery B, ist N. Y. Battery D, ist N. Y. 

Battery D, 5th U. S. Battery G, 5th U. S. 



Every available space where human feet could stand 
or hands could cling, was appropriated long before the 
prancing steeds of Sheridan's cavalry led the advance 
up Pennsylvania avenue. Stands, staging, boxes, 
tables, chairs, vehicles, lamp- posts, indeed everything 
that promised a lookout, was crowded to suffocation 
with eager people. Windows, balconies and housetops 
were even more densely packed. Indeed, the mass of 
civilians pressing their eager homage upon these sol- 
diers coming home from the war, was a sight long to be 
remembered and attaining to the grandly sublime, as 
an independent pageant ; but when the fiery cavalry 
steeds, prancing to their well-known bugle notes ; the 
long lines of infantry with burnished arms flashing in 
the sunlight ; the thundering rattle of artillery wheels 
in an unceasing surging mass, swept along through the 
day, how shall words be found to express the fervent, 
sacred emotions stirred within every heart? 

The troops as they moved along Pennsylvania ave- 
nue presented a grand appearance, all arms of the 
service being represented in full force. The occasional 
insertion of a body of Zouaves served to relieve the 
sameness. The dark and light blue uniforms gave a 
fine effect to the spectacle. Looking up the broad 
Pennsylvania avenne, there was a continuous moving 



374 "^HE 1.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

line as far as the eye could reach of National, State, 
division, brigade, regiment and other flags. Some of 
them were new, the stars of gold leaf glittering in the 
sun, and these contrasted strongly with flags borne in 
the procession tattered in battle or mere shreds. 
Other flags were thickly covered with names and dates 
of battle-fields where victories were won by these proud 
veterans. The flagstafifs were decorated with flowers, 
and very many bouquets hung from the muzzles of 
muskets. These troops did not, as to dress, present a 
war-worn appearance ; they were all well and cleanly 
clad, and their fine marching elicited praise from every 
tongue. On the south side of the avenue, fronting the 
Executive Mansion, a stand was built, handsomely and 
heavily festooned with National flags. At various 
points were the inscriptions, " Atlanta," " Wilderness," 
" Stone River," '' South Mountain," " Shiloh," " Vicks- 
burg," " Savannah," " Richmond," " Petersburg," and 
" Coal Harbor." This stand was in part occupied by 
President Johnson, members of the Cabinet, Generals 
Grant and Sherman, and other distinguished army offi- 
cers. On the left were members of the diplomatic 
corps and their families, two hundred tickets having 
been issued to this class of spectators. On the stands 
provided for the purpose were George Bancroft and the 
following-named Governors of Slates : Crapo, Bucking- 
ham, Andrew, Fenton, Fairchilds, Bradford, Curtin, 
Smith ; Senators Wade, Sherman, Wilson, Johnson, 
Chandler, Harris, Hendrickson, Dixon, Foster, Morgan, 
Conness, Lane of Kansas, and Representatives Schenck, 
Hooper, Marston, Lynch, Hayes, Porter, Kelley, 
Jenckes, Loan, and ex-Speaker Grow. There were at 
least thirty naval officers bearing the highest rank, and 
as many army officers, including Generals Hancock, 
Wilcox, Cadwallader, Hitchcock, Newton and Rawlins. 
As the corps and divisions passed in review of the 
President and Lieutenant General Grant, their com- 
manders severally left the column and took seats on 
the platform, The Judges of the Courts, the Chiefs of 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 375 

the Government Bureaus, and other public officers 
were similarly accommodated. The crowd in that part 
of the city was extremely dense, it being the main 
point of attraction, and the reviewing place where was 
assembled the highest dignitaries. 

General Custer rode a powerful horse ; at times he 
became restive and ungovernable ; when near the 
Treasury Department the animal madly dashed for- 
ward to the head of the line. The General vainly at- 
tempted to check his courser, at the same time endeav- 
oring to retain the weight of flowers which had previ- 
ously been placed upon him. In the flight the General 
lost his hat. He finally conquered his horse and re- 
joined his column. Passing the President's stand he 
made a low bow and was applauded by the multitude. 

Five thousand children participated, handsomely 
decorated by red, white and blue rosettes, flags, ban- 
ners, &c., &c., of all sizes and descriptions, supplied 
with a vast number of bouquets and wreaths. The 
officers and men received these bouquets by thousands, 
the children meanwhile singing, " When Johnny comes 
marching home again," and other patriotic songs. The 
absence of all the negroes from the old Ninth Corps 
was noticed and freely commented on by those who 
may have forgotten that they were organized into a 
separate corps. From the portico of the Treasury De- 
partment the flag of the Treasury Guard Regiment was 
displayed, the lower portion tattered and torn, not by 
battle, but by the spur of Booth, the assassin, as he 
jumped from the box at Ford's Theater to the stage on 
the night of the assassination. A placard appended 
stated this fact, and it attracted much attention. Be- 
tween the rear of the Ninth Corps and the advance of 
the Fifth Corps there was an interval of ten or fifteen 
minutes. An immense number of persons rushed into 
the opening which was in front of the stand occupied 
by President Johnson, General Grant and the members 
of the Cabinet, and gave each one repeated cheers. 



376 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

These gentlemen severally rose and bowed their 
acknowledgement of the honors. 

The troops occupied six hours in the review, from 
nine o'clock in the morning until thee o'clock in the 
afternoon. In military phrase, the " cadence step'' was 
taken from the Capitol to Seventeenth street, from 
which point the various organizations proceeded on the 
march to their separate quarters. The review is spoken 
of as the greatest which has taken place on this conti- 
nent. It was a grand affair and suggestive of the trials 
and victories of the Army of the Potomac. 



Wednesday, May 24, 1865. 



To-day Washington had another 
SECOND DAY. bright, and in all other respects, 

Washington, D. C, i • j r j.\, • r 

Wednesday, May 24,1865. charming day for the review of 
the Armies of the Tennessee and 
Georgia. The sidewalks of Pennsylvania avenue, at 
all elevated points, were occupied by deeply interested 
spectators. Fresh arrivals augmented the already large 
numbers of strangers who had especially visited Wash- 
ington to witness the grand military parade. The taste- 
fully decorated stands near the Executive Mansion were 
again occupied by President Johnson, members of the 
Cabinet, and Lieutenant General Grant, together with 
distinguished army and navy officers, Chiefs of Executive 
Bureaus, the Diplomatic Corps and families, and other 
personages. The vicinity of the reviewing point was 
densely crowded over a larger area than on yesterday, 
this locality being the most attractive. 

The Army of the Tennessee moved from the Capitol 
at nine o'clock, proceeding toward the Executive Man- 
sion. At the head of the column rode Major General 
Sherman, who was vociferously cheered all along the 
line, while many clapped their hands, and others waved 
their handkerchiefs and miniature flags. The greeting 
of this hero was in the highest degree enthusiastic. He 
had been presented with two large wreaths of flowers, 
one of which had been placed around his horse's neck, 
the other hung upon his own shoulder. Major General 
Sherman was accompanied by Major General Howard, 



378 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

formerly in command of the Army of the Tennessee. 
Next followed Major General Logan, Staff and Escort. 
On Tuesday he assumed command of this army. 
Major General Logan appeared at the head of the com- 
mand. The F'ifteenth Corps led the van, commanded 
by Major General W. B. Hazen, the hero of Fort Mc- 
Allister. This Corps is composed of troops from 
Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, Illinois, 
Iowa, and Wisconsin. The Seventeenth Army Corps 
was preceded by its commander, Major General Blair, 
with his Staff, followed by the Headquarter's Escort. 
The troops from this Corps are from Illinois, Ohio, New 
York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota and 
Michigan. The next in review was the Army of 
Georgia, Major General Slocum commanding, who rode 
at the head of the columin. 

The Twentieth Corps was commanded by Major Gen- 
eral Mower, and composed of Volunteers from Con- 
necticut, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Wis- 
consin, Massachusetts, Ohio, Delaware, Indiana and 
Michigan. This was succeeded by the Fovirteenth 
Army Corps, Brevet Major General J. C. Davis com- 
manding. It was composed of Volunteers from Wis- 
consin, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, New York, 
Minnesota and Kentucky. The respective com- 
manders of the armies, divisions and brigades bore 
upon their persons profusions of flowers, which had 
been bestowed in acknowledgment of their heroic 
deeds ; and as they passed along the line, cheers were 
given and handkerchiefs and flags waved by those who 
chose this mode of testifying their gratitude for the 
gallant services of both officers and men. None seem- 
ed to be weary of continuous gazing at the troops as 
there was always presented something of increased in- 
terest. 

The armies represented all branches and divisions of 
the service — cavalry, artillery, and infantry, with suf- 
ficient variety in trimmings and appointments to re- 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 379 

lieve the general sameness of uniform ; and several 
regiments of Zouaves contributed to produce this effect. 
There was an extensive flashing of drawn swords, bayo- 
nets, and polished brass cannon in the clear sunlight. 
Sections of pontoon bridges and ambulances and 
stretchers, and even heavy wagons, were features in 
the procession. There was also a fair representation 
of the spade and ax department, the implements being 
carried upon the shoulders of both white and black 
soldiers. Much amusement was occasioned by a dis- 
play of pack-horses and mules. They were all heavily 
loaded with commissary supplies, including chickens. 
A coon, a dog, and a goat were comfortably fastened to 
three of the saddles; those were the pets of soldiers. 
Two black soldiers of largest size, riding on very small 
mules, their feet nearly touching the ground, was re- 
garded as a comic scene in connection with this part 
of the display, and occasioned general laughter. 

An interesting feature in the grand military parade 
was the exhibition of flags and banners of various pat- 
terns, some of them entirely new; others were carried, 
torn by bullets and reduced to shreds ; while others, en- 
tire as to material, were faded by exposure to the 
weather or blackened by the smoke of battle. Several 
staffs were carried, from which the flags had been shot 
away. All the spear-heads were ornamented with 
flowers either in bouquets or wreaths. It was remarked, 
as in contrast to the Army of the Potomac, that the 
troops composing the Armies of Georgia and Tennessee 
wore the wide-brim felt hats, regulation pattern. Their 
appearance in all respects was equal to that of the Army 
of the Potomac, notwithstanding they had performed 
more marching service. Their general movements 
were much admired and accordingly applauded. The 
commander of each army, and corps and division, at- 
tended by one staff officer, dismounted after passing the 
General-in-Chief, and joined him until his army, corps 
or division had passed the reviewing stand, when he re- 



380 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 



mounted and joined his command. Officers command- 
ing regiments presented swords on passing the review- 
ing officer, but company officers were not required to 
make such salutes. Brigade bands or consolidated field 
music turned out and played as their brigades passed. 
One band to each division performed during the march 
from the Capitol to the Treasury building. After the 
troops passed the reviewing officer, they were marched 
to^ their respective quarters. Secretary Seward, not- 
withstanding his severe physical affliction, took a deep 
interest in the review. General Augur made him com- 
fortable, and furnished him with a good position at the 
headquarters of the defenses of Washington, that he 
might witness the grand military display. The Armies 
of the Tennessee and Georgia occupied six hours in pass- 
ing — the same length of time required for the review 
of the Army of the Potomac. 

The following are a few of the incidents of the day: 
Previous to the march, a number of young ladies made 
their way through the crowds of spectators and soldiers 
on Capitol Hill, and festooned upon some of the offi- 
cers bouquets, wreaths and garlands. It has already 
been stated that General Sherman led the advance to- 
day, accompanied by General Howard, with bouquets 
in their hands, and their horses decorated with flowers. 
Upon reaching the western part of the city, a Veteran 
Reserve soldier approached General Sherman with an- 
other bouquet, but the horse of the latter became rest- 
ive, and he motioned the soldier back. ''Give it to 
Howard," shouted the multitude; but he, too, having 
but one hand, could attend only to his prancing horse; 
so the veteran returned to his seat with his offering 
amid cheers on all sides. Riding to the western en- 
trance of the Executive Mansion, General Sherman 
dismounted, and with General Howard and staff joined 
the group on the stand. The reception given to Gen- 
eral Sherman exceeded in enthusiasm that extended to 
any other officer. Generals Logan, John W. Geary 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 381 

and Frank Blair especially received the acclamations 
of the multitude. As the head of Major General Frank 
P. Blair's Corps reached Fourteenth street in the 
marching column, some one hundred and fifty gentle- 
men, mostly from Missouri, presented to the General a 
splendid banner, and to each of the officers of his staff 
a beautiful bouquet. 

Any representation of Sherman's Army would have 
been far from being complete which omitted the cele- 
brated Bummers' Brigade. These foiagers, black and 
white, composed the most incongruous, as it was cer- 
tainly the most comical, appendage ever seen with any 
army. After Blair's Corps had passed, came two di- 
minutive donkeys, astride of which were two equally 
diminutive but gleeful darkeys ; closely following this 
was a collection of mules, young horses, broken-down 
nags, upon which were loaded tents, baggage, utensils, 
kettles, swords, pigs, chickens, goats, dogs, raccoons, 
pickaninnies, black women ; trudging along in the dusty 
rabble were the blackest of negroes and all the thous- 
and-and-one appurtenances of camp life. In fact it 
may be truly said that Sherman's Army presented the 
same general aspects on its way through the city as it 
did through the Carolinas, only with much more order. 
It is understood they choose a fresh camp to-night. 
This gave a varied picture of the way in which Sher- 
man made war by living on the enemy ; only by this 
means could he have cut loose from his base and made 
his admirable swoop down to the coast. The darkeys 
who have been picked up in the march were some of 
them armed with huge old pistols or captured knives. 
They seemed to understand well the part they were 
playing in the terrible drama of revolution, and re- 
ceived the uproarious shouts, laughter and jeers with 
soldierly unconcern. Any representation of Sherman's 
Army would have been incomplete which omitted the 
notorious Bummers accordingly. At the end of Gen- 
eral Blair's Corps appeared the most ludicrous, and at 



382 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

the same time, the most interesting scene ever witness- 
ed in connection with any army. The brigade of black 
servants, attended by the guards of the small baggage 
train, were preceded by two diminutive darkeys, whose 
self-complacency was only equaled by the imperturba- 
ble animals under them. Then came the strangest 
huddle of animation, equine, canine, bovine and 
human that ever civilian beheld, but which has been 
common enough in Georgia. Mules, asses, horses, 
colts, cows, sheep, pigs, goats, raccoons mounted on 
mules, chickens, dogs led by negroes blacker than 
Erebus. Every beast of burden was loaded to its 
capacity with tents, baggage, knapsacks, hampers, pan- 
niers, boxes, valises, kettles, pots, pans, dishes, demi- 
johns, bird cages, cradles, mirrors, fiddles, clothing, 
pickaninnies, and an occasional black woman. In effect 
Sherman gave us a sample of his army as it appeared 
on the march through the Carolinas. He is, in fact, 
moving to another camp, and to-day's display was a 
perfect picture of his progress, only more orderly and 
no foraging. Some of the negroes appeared to have 
three days' rations in their ample pouches, and ten 
days' more on the animals they led. The fraternity 
was complete ; the goats, dogs, mules and horses were 
already veterans in the field, and trudged along as if 
the brute world were nothing but a vast march with a 
daily camp. Thus are we shown how Sherman lived 
upon the enemy, and how he was enabled to live upon 
the enemy. 

The Army of the West lost Hooker in the review, 
that of the East lost Sheridan. Meade's army has only 
a part of its infantry — Sherman's none of its cavalry. 
The superior conversance of Meade with Washington 
city enabled him to so defile his forces that not a gap 
occurred along the entire route, but Sherman's men 
once or twice broke in sections for long distances, 
marring the unity of his procession. Meade's army 
was composed of the most conventional levies — Sher- 



THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 383 

man's of the most individual. The Army of the East 
was composed of citizens — that of the West of pioneers. 
A gentl<^man, socially so-called, would have preferred 
the display of Meade. His men had more readable 
faces, better characterization, and were less wild and 
outre in their expression. A pioneer would have most 
applauded the review of Sherman, because his men 
were hardier, knottier, and weightier. Meade repre- 
sented the Army of the East, being a graceful and ac- 
complished commander. Logan, and not Sherman, was 
the West's representative soldier. The Army of the 
West marched, as a rule, better than the East, if rigid 
mathematical time-keeping is the best of good training. 
Its constituents were, in physiognomy, just the men for 
dashing adventures, prolonged advances, and reckless 
fighting ; but Meade's men bore the impress of intelli- 
gent patience like that which sat before Richmond four 
defeated years, and in the end had the pluck to pass 
over the bastions of Petersburg. The officers of Sher- 
man were less punctilious in externals than those of 
Meade. His staff officers were not so neatly garbed, 
his line officers were more indifferent to their wardrobe. 
The West was the best army for a republic, the East 
for a standing army, and New York troops generally 
speaking were the best Meade had to show. Illinois 
troops, casually remarked, were the flower of Sher- 
man's veterans. The absence of cavalry which quite 
embarrassed Sherman, so far as the spirit of his enter- 
tainment went, was made up by series of contrabrands 
and many odd concomitants in the shape of mules, 
fowls and dogs, which the soldiers took along. Sher- 
man had less artillery than Meade. The battle flags of 
both were equally riddled. Harmony prevailed among 
the partisans of both armies. The country was proud 
of them all. Their deeds are alike, the fames are equal ; 
their reviews were the most wonderful panorama in 
American history. 



384 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

SHERMAN'S RIGHT WING IN THE REVIEW. 

THE 15TH AND 17TH CORPS. 

The right wing, or Army of the Tennessee, com- 
manded by Major General John A. Logan, is composed 
of the Fifteenth Corps, Major General W. B. Hazen, 
and the Seventeenth Corps, Major General Frank P. 
Blair. 

Major General John A. Logan, the present com- 
mander of the Army of the Tennessee, was born in 
Jackson county, 111., on the 9th of February, 1832, and 
is consequently about thirty-three years of age. Like 
Sheridan and other generals who have distinguished 
themselves during the present war, he was born of Irish 
parentage. Previous to the war he had acquired some 
popularity as a politician in his native State, having 
served in the State Legislature of Illinois and the Na- 
tional Congress. He entered the army in September, 
1861, as Colonel of the Thirty-first Illinois Infantry, 
and participated in the battles of Belmont, Fort Henry 
and Fort Donaldson. At the latter fight he was wound- 
ed three times, and for conspicuous gallantry was pro- 
moted to a Brigadier Generalship. As Brigadier Gen- 
eral he commanded a division at the siege of Corinth, 
and subsequently took command of the post at Jackson, 
Miss. In March, 1863, he received his commission as 
Major General, and took part in the battle of Thomp- 
son's Hill. The battle of Raymond was fought alone 
by General Logan, and during the engagement he had 
two horses killed. Subsequently General Logan, with 
his division, took part in the battles of Jackson, Cham- 
pion Hills, Baker Creek and the siege of Vicksburg, for 
conspicuous gallantry at which he was by special order 
from General Grant assigned to the command of the 
Fifteenth Army Corps, vice General Sherman promoted 
to the command of the Army of the Tennessee. Dur- 
ing the winter of 1864, Logan was in command of the 



THE LAST FOUR WKEKS OF THE WAR. 385 

District of Northern Alabama, headquarters at Hunts- 
ville. In all the subsequent engagements, far too 
numerous to mention, in which his corps participated 
and won undying fame, Logan has been distinguished 
for his good generalship and gallantry in the field. 

By General Order No. 210, dated War Department, 
Adjutant General's Office, Washington, December 18, 
1862, the Fifteenth Corps was organized under com- 
mand of Major General W. T. Sherman, the present 
commander of the Military Division of the Mississippi. 
General Sherman was succeeded by Major General John 
A. Logan, who was succeeded by Major General W. B. 
Hazen, who led the successful assault on Fort McAllis- 
ter last fall. 



THE FIFTEENTH CORPS IN THE LINE. 
General W. B. Hazen, Commander and Staff. 

FIRST DIVISION. 

Major General C. B. Woods and Staff, with the Twenty- 
ninth Missouri Cavalry as an Escort. 

ist Brigade, Brigadier General W. B. Woods, Com- 
manding. 
76th Ohio. 27th Missouri. 

93d Indiana. 31st and 32d Consol- 

4th Minnesota. idated Battalion of 

13th Indiana. Missouri. 

2d Brigade, Colonel Gotterson, Commanding. 
93d Illinois. loth Ohio. 

46th Ohio. 26th Illinois, 

looth Indiana. 103d Illinois. 

3d Brigade, Colonel George A. Stone, Commanding. 
4th Iowa. 9tli Iowa. 

25th Iowa. 26th Iowa. 

30th Iowa. 31st Iowa. 



386 THE IvAvST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

SECOND DIVISION. 

Major General Oliver, Commander. 

ist Brigade, Brigadier General Theodore Jones, Com- 
manding. 

30th Ohio. 6th Missouri. 

17th Iowa. 55th Illinois. 

37th Ohio. 6th Michigan. 

8th Missouri. ii6th Illinois. 

127th Illinois. loth Iowa. 

2d Brigade, Brigadier General Wells S. Jones, Com- 
manding. 
53d Ohio. 54th Ohio. 

47th Ohio. 57th Ohio. 

26th Missouri. 144th Illinois. 

83d Indiana. 

3d Brigade, Colonel Hutchinson, Commanding. 
15th Michigan. 4Sth Illinois. 

56th Illinois. 90th Illinois. 

70th Ohio. 

FOURTH DIVISION. 

Major General J. M. CoRSE, Commander and Staff. 

ist Brigade, Brigadier General A. V. Rice, Command- 
ing. 
2d Iowa. 7th Iowa. 

52d Illinois. 66th Indiana. 

12th Illinois. 

2d Brigade, Brigadier General Clarke, Commanding. 
31st Ohio. 64th Illinois. 

59th Indiana. i8th Wisconsin. 

48th Indiana. 

3d Brigade, Colonel Rowell, Commanding. 
39th Iowa. 57th Illinois. 

7th Illinois. 69th Illinois. 

50th Illinois. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 387 

Artillery Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Ross, Chief of 
Artillery and Staff. 
Battery B, ist Michigan. 
Battery H, ist Illinois. 
Battery H, 1st Missouri. 
12th Wisconsin. 

The Fifteenth Corps since its organization has par- 
ticipated in nearly all of the important battles which 
have taken place during the memorable campaigns in 
the West, and has won immortal fame on the following 
battle fields, which are inscribed on its colors : Chick- 
asaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Siege of Vicksburg, Jack- 
son, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Tunnel Hill, Sneak 
Creek Gap, Resacca, Dallas, Big Shanty, Kenesaw 
Mountain, Chattahooche River, Atlanta, Jones- 
borough, &c. 

THE SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS. 

General Frank Blair, Commander. 
Staff with Escort of Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry. 

FIRST DIVISION. 

Brigadier General M. F. Force, Commander and 

Staff, 
ist Brigade, General J. W. Fuller, Commanding. 
27th Ohio. 39th Ohio. 

i8th Missouri. 64th Illinois. 

2d Brigade, Brigadier General J. W. Sprague, Com- 
manding. 
43d Ohio. 63d Ohio. 

35th New York. 25th Wisconsin. 

3d Brigade, Brigadier General John Tillson, Com- 
manding, 
loth Illinois. 2 2d Ohio. 

24th Indiana. 



388 THE I.AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

THIRD DIVISION. 

Major General M. D. Leggett, Commander and Staff. 

ist Brigade, Brigadier General Bwing, Command- 
ing. 

I2th Ohio. i6th Ohio. 

31st Illinois. 45th Illinois. 

30th Illinois. 

2d Brigade, General R. K. Scott, Commanding. 

69th Ohio. 7th Ohio. 

20th Ohio. 20th Illinois. 

FOURTH DIVISION. 

Major General G. A. Smith, Commander and Staff. 

ist Brigade, Brigadier General B. F. Potts, Com- 
manding. 

23d Ohio. 32d Ohio. 

53d Illinois. 53d Indiana. 

2d Brigade, Brigadier General Stolbrend, Com- 
manding. 

32d Illinois. 14th Illinois. 

15th Illinois. 

3d Brigade, Brigadier General W. W. Belknap, Com- 
manding. 

nth Iowa. 13th Iowa. 

15th Iowa. 1 6th Iowa. 

Artillery Brigade, Major F. Welker, Chief of Artillery 

and Staff. 

15th Ohio. ist Minnesota. 

Battery C, ist Michigan. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 389 

On the flag, in front of General Blair's headquarters 
is inscribed the following laconic record of that Corps : 

" Shiloh, Corinth, luka, Hatchie, Port Gibson, Ray- 
mond, Jackson, Champion Hills, Vicksburg, Meridian, 
Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, Jonesborough, 
Atlanta, Savannah, Pocotaligo, Salkehatchie, Edisto 
River, Orangeburg, Columbia, Cheraw, Fayettesville, 
Bentonville." 



THE LEFT WING OF SHERMAN'S ARMY IN 
THE REVIEW. 

ARMY OF GEORGIA. 

Major General SIvOCUM in Command. 

I 

TWENTIETH CORPS. 

Major General Joseph A. MowER, and Staff. 

This sterling corps was first organized on the 3d of 
April, 1864, in Lookout Valley, Tennessee. As origi- 
nally constituted it was composed of four divisions, 
commanded by Generals Williams, Geary, Butterfield, 
and Rosseau ; but the Fourth Division under the last 
named General has never served with the corps, having 
always been detached upon other duties. The First, 
Second, and Third Divisions were composed almost en- 
tirely of troops of the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, 
when these organizations were disbanded. General 
Hooker commanded this corps up to the siege of At- 
lanta, and these are the boys that did the fighting 
above the clouds at Lookout Mountain, 



390 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

FIRST DIVISION. 

Major General A. B. Williams, Commander. 

ist Brigade, Brigadier General James h. Selfridge, 
Commanding. 

5tli Connecticut. 46tli Pennsylvania. 

123d New York. 141st New York. 

2d Brigade, Brigadier General Hawley, Commanding. 

3d Wisconsin. 2d Massachusetts. 

13th New York. 107th New York. 

150th New York. 

3d Brigade, Brigadier General James S. Robinson, 
Commandino^. 



'C5- 



31st Wisconsin. 82d Ohio. 

82d Illinois. loist Illinois. 

143d New York. 

The First and Second Brigades of this division form- 
erly belonged to the Twelfth Corps, while the First 
Brigade came principally from the Eleventh Corps. 
The First and Second Brigades were the real nucleus 
of the division. They originally composed General 
Williams's Division of the Second Corps, then com- 
manded by General Banks, under whose leadership 
they fought the battles of Winchester and Cedar Moun- 
tain. After this battle the corps were reorganized and 
called the Twelfth. The division as the First of this 
new corps was engaged in the battles of Winchester, 
Antietam, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, Sulphur 
Springs, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Since then 
as a part of the Twentieth Corps, the division has par- 
ticipated in all its battles. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 391 

SECOND DIVISION. 

Major General John W. Geary, Commanding. 

ist Brigade, Brigadier General A. Pardee, Jr., Com- 
manding. 
5th Ohio. 29tli Ohio. 

66th Ohio. 28th Pennsylvania. 

147th Pennsylvania. 

2d Brigade, General P. H. Jones, Commanding. 

33d New York. 73d Pennsylvania. 

119th New York. 134th New York. 

154th New York. 

3d Brigade, General H. A. Barnum, Commanding. 

29th Pennsylvania. iiith Pennsylvania. 

60th New York. i02d New York. 

137th New York. 149th New York. 

This was formerly the Second Division of the Twelfth 
Corps. When the present organization was established 
it received the addition of one brigade from the 
Eleventh Corps. The troops of the First and Second 
Brigades, prior to the formation of the Twelfth Army 
Corps in September, 1862, were under the command of 
Major General Banks, and during 1861 and 1862 were 
actively engaged in the Shenandoah Valley, and along 
the Upper Potomac. Some of the corps of the First 
Brigade fought in the battles in West Virginia, under 
General McClelland. The Second Brigade, formerly of 
the Eleventh Corps, prior to its formation, was under 
the commands of Generals Sigel and Fremont. Before 
the formation of the Twentieth Corps the troops of this 
Division in whole or in part, had been engaged in the 
following battles: 

Rich Mountain, Laurel Hill, Carrick's Ford, Harper's 
Ferry, Winchester, two battles, Cross Keyes, Port Re- 
public, Cedar Mountain, White Sulphur Springs, Sec- 



392 THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

ond Bull Run, Chantilly, Antietam, Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg, Wauhatchie, Lookout Mountain, Mission- 
ary Ridge and Ringgold. 

The division was particularly distinguished at Look- 
out Mountain, which gallant action it fought and won 
without assistance. It has since participated in all the 
battles ot the Twentieth Corps, Averysborough and 
Bentonville. Besides this it has fought singly the bat- 
tle of Mill Creek Gap. Since its organization it has 
been under the command of General Geary, formerly 
Brigadier, now Brevet Major General. It is generally 
considered the best disciplined division in the Twen- 
tieth Corps, and as such the crack division of Sherman's 
Army. It is a remarkable fact that this division has 
never lost a gun and but one stand of colors. 

• THIRD DIVISION. 

General W. G. Ward, Commander. 

ist Brigade, General Benjamin Harrison, Com- 
manding. 

70th Indiana. 79th Ohio. 

i02d Indiana. 105th Illinois. 

129th Illinois. 

2d Brigade, General Daniel Dustin, Commanding. 

19th Michigan. 22d Wisconsin. 

33d Indiana. 85th Indiana. 

3d Brigade, General Cogswell, Commanding. 

20th Connecticut. 26th Wisconsin. 

33d Massachusetts. 55th Ohio. 

73d Ohio. 136th New York. 

This division is mainly composed of Western troops. 
The First and Second Brigades are exclusively so, and 
a portion of the Third Brigade is also from the West. 
These troops, prior to the organization of the corps, had 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 393 

been guarding railroads and Government property in 
Kentucky and Tennessee, and had never been engaged 
in battle. The remainder of the men had participated 
in all the battles of the Eleventh Corps. Since the 
formation of the Twenty-first Corps, the division has 
been engaged in nearly all the battles of the Ninth 
Corps, and has fought gallantly in them all. 

ARTILLERY BRIGADE. 

Captain C. E. Winegar, Commanding. 

Battery I, ist N. Y. Battery M, ist N. Y. 

Battery C, ist Ohio. Battery E, Ind. Penna. 



THE FOURTEENTH ARMY CORPS IN THE 

REVIEW. 

Major General Jeff. C. Davis, Commander. 

The present organization of this corps was effected 
in October, 1863, at Chattanooga, under the command 
of Major General Palmer. It participated always with 
credit in all the battles of the Atlanta campaign, and 
fought the battle of Jonesborough (below Atlanta) un- 
supported, driving a large force of the enemy from the 
works and capturing two four-gun batteries. It par- 
ticipated in the pursuit of Hood, and has since formed 
with the Twentieth Corps the left wing (now the Army 
of Georgia) of Sherman's Army. At the battle of Ben- 
tonville it sustained the first shock of Johnston's at- 
tack, and resisted so stubbornly that time was given for 
the arrival of the Twentieth Corps, when the Army of 
Georgia repulsed all Johnston's attacks, which, finding 
fruitless, he withdrew to Smithfield. The history of 
the Fourteenth Corps has been an eventful one, but is 
so nearly like that of the Twentieth Corps with which 



394 "^HE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

it has been so closely connected, that to give a length- 
ened sketch of its services would be to indulge in need- 
less repetition. This corps is commanded by Major 
General Jefferson C. Davis, who has been heard to thank 
God that he had a C. in his name. 

FIRST DIVISION. 

General Charles C. Walcutt, Commander and 

Staff. 

ist Brigade. 

2 ist Wisconsin. 42d Indiana. 

33d Ohio. 88th Indiana. 

94th Ohio. 104th Illinois. 

2d Brigade, Brigadier General Buell, Commanding. 

2 ist Michigan. 60th Ohio. 

13th Michigan. 

3d Brigade. 

2 ist Ohio. 38th Indiana. 

14th Ohio. 79th Pennsylvania. 

This division left Louisville (the First Division of 
the old Fourteenth Army Corps) on the ist of October, 
1862; fought at Perryville, October i, 1862; reached 
Nashville in November; participated in the hard fought 
battle of Stone River, December 31, January i, 2 and 3. 
At Murfreesborough the division was reorganized, and 
started in January, 1863, on the Tullahoma campaign ; 
was in the battles of Horner's Gap, June 21, and Chick- 
amauga, September 19 and 20, Brigadier General Baird 
being then in command. At Chattanooga it was reor- 
ganized, since which time it has been actively engaged 
in all the battles of the present Fourteenth Corps. Since 
its organization it has had the following commanders : 
Brigadier General Rousseau, Brigadier General Baird, 
Brigadier General Rousseau again, Brigadier General 



, THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 395 

Johnson, Brigadier General King, Brigadier General 
Carlin, and Brigadier General Walcutt, its present 
leader. 

SECOND DIVISION. 

General James D. Morgan, Commander, 
ist Brigade, General Vandevers, Commanding. 

loth Michigan. 14th Michigan, 

loth Illinois. 60th Illinois. 

17th New York. 

2d Brigade. 

i2ist Ohio. 113th Ohio. 

io8th Ohio. 98th Ohio. 

34th Illinois. 78th Illinois. 

3d Brigade. 

35th Illinois. 80th Illinois, 

iioth Illinois. 125th Illinois. 

52d Ohio. 22d Indiana. 

37th Indiana. 

This division was organized October 10, 1863, under 
command of JefF. C. Davis, then Brigadier General. It 
has participated in all the battles of the Fourteenth 
Corps, and at Jonesborough particularly distinguished 
itself. In this action there were, to quote the words of 
General Morgan's official report, " two four-gun bat- 
teries taken, one by the First and one by the Second 
Brigade; three hundred and ninety-four prisoners, one 
Brigadier General, twenty-four commissioned officers, 
over one thousand stand of small arms, and six battle- 
flags." It was detached to capture Rome, Georgia, 
and succeeded. In its attack on Kenesaw Mountain it 
lost one thousand three hundred men in twenty min- 
utes, and five field officers. 



39^ THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

THIRD DIVISION. 

General A. Baird, Commander. 

ist Brigade, Colonel M. C. Hunter, Commanding. 

17th Ohio. 3TSt Ohio. 

89th Ohio. 92d Ohio. 

82d Indiana. 23d Missouri detachm't. 

nth Ohio detachment. 

2d Brigade, Colonel Gleeson, Commanding. 

105th Ohio. 2d Minnesota. 

75th Indiana. 87th Indiana, 

loist Indiana. • 

3d Brigade, General S. S. Green, Commanding. 

14th Ohio. 38th Ohio, 

loth Kentucky. i8th Kentucky. 

74th Indiana. 

Fourteenth Army Corps Artillery Brigade. 

Battery C, ist Illinois. Battery L, 2d Illinois. 

5th Wisconsin Battery. 

This division, like the preceding, was organized at 
Chattanooga in October, 1863, and has sustained an ex- 
cellent reputation in all of the numerous battles in 
which it has been engaged. At Jonesborough its loss 
was very heavy, but the works in its front were gal- 
lantly carried. At Bentonsville it was ordered forward, 
unsupported by the other divisions, and made a success- 
ful reconnoissance of the enemy's position. Its men 
still proudly remember that they belonged to Major 
General George H. Thomas's Division at the first suc- 
cessful battle of the war — Mill Spring, where ZollicofFer 
met his death, 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 397 

COMMENT ON THE GRAND REVIEW AFTER 
IT PASSED. 

The grand review is over. The 
Washington, D-C ^^q (javs of deserved apotheosis 

Wednesday, May 24, 1865. - . •' .^ - , 

of the two great armies of the 
Republic have come and gone, and one hundred and 
fifty thousand veterans have been reviewed, not merely 
by Grant and Sherman and Meade, but by the people, 
the grateful millions. Your faithful correspondents 
have already given you by telegraph the story of the 
marching in serried columns, the huzzas of the multi- 
tude, and the names of commanding officers from those 
of corps to those of regiments. I shall only add a few 
observations, reflections and recollections. 

To civilians looking on, perhaps the most amazing 
thing was the number that marched by. Unused to 
armies, they sat seven hours on yesterday and sevenhours 
to-day, while the men with sabers and the men with 
bayonets, in close order and at brisk pace, marched past 
and still the wonder grew where all the soldiers came 
from. And yet only one-quarter of the loyal forces now 
under arms in the country were seen by them. So the 
dense, swift, long columns, were the greatest wonder, 
because they were dense and swift and long. 

The next wonder was that the soldiers seemed so 
little excited. They tramped along with a certain easy 
satisfied, every-day nonchalance that was the perfection 
of the 7til admirari. They scarcely looked right or left, 
and any pride and exultation they did show was grim 
and bronzed like their faces and their uniforms. There 
were, however, some exceptions. When a shout of 
'' Hurrah for Massachusetts " would be raised by a group 
of Bay State spectators, or an enthusiastic Sucker would 
call for and get rousing cheers for Illinois, as regiments 
from their respective States passed by, then the rank 
and file would look eagerly to where the shout came 



398 THE LAST I^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

from, and scan each man's face as though hoping to see 
a familiar one. Again, when a Colonel on passing the 
main pavilion would ask for cheers for the President 
and General Grant, the imperturbable faces would be- 
come transfigured into wild animation and pride, and 
old rusty caps, grasped by tawny hands and swung high 
by brawny arms, would circle in the air, while lungs 
made strong by years in the field and throats familiar 
with the whoop of the charge and the cheer of victory, 
would send up a noise like that of the many waters of 
many Niagaras. And yet not one in fifty would turn 
his eyes to see the faces of those they were cheering. 
Whether the seeming want of curiosity was the result 
of discipline which commanded "eyes to the front, all," 
or whether they really did not deign to appear to be 
curious, I can't say. 

There never was so perfectly happy a set of men as 
those in the main pavilion — the Presidentand Cabinet, 
General Grant, and the score or two of other distin- 
guished officers. Not that they grinned and bowed in 
self-approbativeness, for there was not a bit of that. It 
wasn't self-complacency, but a sort of calm quiet; a 
settled peace and gratitude, seemed to pervade them 
all. When the crowd would surge up to the stand, at 
any brief interval in the procession and demand a sight 
of their favorites, the President would rise and bow re- 
peatedly, but say never a word. Grant, when called 
for, would but rise for an instant, with lifted hat, and if 
his face told any story at all it was one of shyness and 
surprise. 

To the stranger in Washington who had never seen 
the men on that stand, it was well worth while the rush- 
ing up as the rear of a division or corps passed, the 
hurried glance, and the scamper back when the head of 
the next column approached. There were the Presi- 
dent and Cabinet, Sherman, Meade, Hancock, Howard, 
Slocum, Logan, Hunter, Humphreys, Custer, and fifty 
others only less famous — a collection of names that will 
pass into history among the giants. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 399 

Yesterday the favorites among the officers who rode 
by were clearly Merritt, Custer, Humphreys, Griffin 
and Miles. Custer is the Murat of the war, Hum- 
phreys has worthily succeeded to the command of Han- 
cock's old corps (the Second), and Griffin to Warren's 
(the Fifth). It should not and does not detract from 
the latter, that the men raised cheer after cheer for 
Warren, than whom an officer was never more idolized 
by his soldiers. It may not be inappropriate to say here 
that it is understood that Warren stands to-day entirely 
exonerated from any fault on the day that he was re- 
lieved from his corps by Sheridan, and that he and 
Sheridan are now the best of friends. The statement 
is confirmed by Warren's late assignment to an impor- 
tant command at the West. 

To-day the heroes have been Sherman, Logan, Slo- 
cum and Geary. Howard having taken charge of the 
Freedmen's Bureau, and yielded the Army of the Ten- 
nessee, did not ride with the troops; but everybody 
asked for him, and an ovation was waiting for this one- 
armed hero. 

You know before the war Logan was an azvful Demo- 
crat, and in his speeches actually committed himself 
against "coercion." But when Sumter was fired upon, 
and his political chief, Douglas, wheeled about and 
pronounced for coercion, then he, too, began to recon- 
sider. It is said that he wrote to Douglas to know 
what to do, and that the latter replied, "Raise a regi- 
ment, John." Logan did so, and was commissioned 
Colonel by an old political antagonist, Governor Yates. 
During the first year of the war he remained very much 
of a Democrat — fought for the Union with Slavery. 
He dates his Abolitionism from the day he entered some 
Southern city — I think it was Nashville — and found no 
welcome except from the negroes. Last fall his wife 
bet a span of mules with General Singleton that her 
husband would vote for Lincoln — and won them. A 
few weeks before the election he was given leave of ab- 
sence, and announced that he would speak ; but, desir- 



400 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

ous of getting at his old political associates, refused to 
say upon which side he would speak. He got a tre- 
mendous audience, and pronounced for Lincoln ; and 
then spoke twice each day till election. As the direct 
result, the political revolution in Southern Illinois was 
the most remarkable thing in the last campaign. 

Yesterday the best horse in the line was Custer's, to- 
day Geary's. Major General Geary was Scott's Military 
Governor of the City of Mexico, has been mayor of 
San Francisco, Governor of the Territory of Kansas, 
and has fought through this war, beginning as colonel. 
How he sat on his horse to-day! — a tall, shining black 
horse, whose neck was clothed with thunder, whose tail 
was carried like a banner, whose step bespoke the pride 
of Ivucifer — a kingdom for that horse were not so bad 
a bargain ! 

One thing, both yesterday and to-day, never failed to 
call forth cheers, and that was the old flags, the tattered, 
torn, stained flags, frayed to shreds, staff's with a few 
sprays of a lint-like silk — these were loudly cheered 
every three times. Sometimes a regiment would show 
two of these old flags, and along side it a broad new 
silken ''glory" bearing the names of the battles in 
which it had participated. One Massachusetts Regi- 
ment had affixed to an old staff" to which still clung a 
few shreds of the old flag, a score of bright new stream- 
ers, each having the name of one of the battles of the 
regiment — and wasn't that cheered ! 

The Army of the Potomac reviewed yesterday is 
mainly composed of Eastern troops, while the Army of 
Georgia (Slocum's), and the Army of Tennessee (Lo- 
gan's, late Howard's), are mainly Western troops. The 
exception in the one case consists in a dozen Western 
regiments scattered through the different divisions. In 
the latter the exception is the Twentieth Corps (the 
Eleventh and Twelfth consolidated), which went West 
under Hooker. Naturally a comparison was provoked 
in the minds of the spectators between the Eastern and 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 4OI 



Western troops. It was noted that the Western men 
had the advantage in physiqne, were taller men, with 
fewer boys, and scarcely any foreigners among them, 
that their marching step was several inches longer, and 
that yellow and red beards, and light hair, worn long, 
predominated. Officers of the Army of the Potomac 
conceded that they marched better, that they moved 
with an elastic, springy, swinging step that does not 
belong to the Eastern boys, and that their faces were 
more intelligent, self-reliant and determined. One 
could not distinguish officers from men except by their 
uniforms — the privates and the officers seemed equal in 
intelligence and manly bearing, and in station when at 
home. On the other hand, the Eastern troops showed 
more pure discipline, more drill. There was a marked 
distinction between the officers and the men in point of 
culture. The officers were more gayly dressed, and 
evidently belonged to more elegant, or at least more 
presuming walks of life than those of the general rank 
in the Western armies. The Eastern men all wore the 
close-fitting regulation skull-cap ; the Western men the 
soft slouch hat. The former were exact, prim, stiff — 
the latter, easy, don't-care, independent, and pioneer- 
ish. 

It was remarkable to see how the Twentieth Corps 
transplanted, as it had been, from the East, had taken 
on many of the characteristics of their new comrades. 
They had learned the same swinging stride, exchanged 
caps for hats, and become military cosmopolites. 

Bringing up the rear of each brigade to-day were the 
jack mules, heavily laden with the camp fixtures of the 
commands, and with the plunder of the long march 
from Atlanta to Washington. Indeed the mules them- 
selves were found on the way. They were led by ne- 
groes — also found on the way. Tied to the backs of 
the mules were a number of big red roosters and fight- 
ing cocks. Crosswise the back of one, with feet either 
pannier, was a grave billy goat. Following one brig- 



402 THE LAST IJ^OUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 

■ 

ade, led by negroes, was a pair of small white original 
jackasses and several cows. These things elicited mnch 
merriment and shouting among the thousands looking 
on, to whom the "bummers" of a large army were a 
revelation. A half dozen pickaninnies not ten years 
old, of both sexes, astride mules, evidently the proteges 
of regiments, were funny enough. 

Commanding a brigade in this corps was General H. 
A. Barnum, of Syracuse. Your correspondent once 
wrote that man's obituary — after the seven days' 
battles. The surgeon reported him dying, and he was 
left on the field, after having sent his last words to his 
wife and little boy. However, he came down from 
Richmond on the first flag-of-truce boat, and lived to 
fight at Fredericksburg, at Chancellorsville, at Gettys- 
burg, at Lookout Mountain — where he was again 
wounded — and now to lead a brigade in " Sherman's 
march to the Sea." You wouldn't have thought as you 
saw him backing a wild horse to-day, receiving the 
bouquets that were brought him, and bowing acknowl- 
edgement to the cheers that greeted him, that he still 
has an unhealed wound from Malvern Hill yet such is 
the case. You could put your whole hand into the raw 
cavity in his side that still remains, and will never 
heal, but since he received that wound he stormed 
Lookout Mountain, and was chosen to go to Washing- 
ton bearing the thirty-five flags captured there. 

Commanding the Third Division of the Fourteenth 
Corps was Brevet Major General J. M. Corse, of Ohio, a 
young man of twenty-eight. Six or eight years ago he 
was dropped from the roll of cadets at West Point for 
incompetency — inability to maintain the required rank 
in his class. But the knowledge of tactics gained in 
the year or two he was there, gave him at the com- 
mencement the adjutancy of an Iowa regiment. He 
couldn't do the mathematics of West Point, neverthe- 
less he was a natural soldier, and, young as he is, has 
won his present rank by sheer fighting, by sheer ability 



THE IvAST FOUR WEEKS OE THE WAR. 4O3 

in fighting. When Hood struck Sherman's communi- 
cations, Corse, with twelve hundred men was garrison- 
ing the important point of Altoona. By the inspiration 
which he infused into his men he beat off half of 
Hood's army, and was breveted Major General for it — 
but he couldn't get through West Point. His career is 
a beautiful comment on the assumption and pre- 
sumption of some of those who do not get through that 
questionable institution known as " West Point." I 
never saw General Corse till he rode by to-day, but I 
think I am correct as to his failure at West Point, as I 
know I am in regard to his brilliant record in the army. 

The Army of the Potomac lacked in this review one 
of its best corps — the Sixth, General Wright command- 
ing since Sedgwick fell. The Sixth was necessarily 
detained at Danville and vicinity until last week, and 
only left Richmond for this city yesterday morning. 
Its absence yesterday is much to be regretted, for no 
corps has a better record. 

And so the last review is over. The war is over. 
The boys are going home. 

" When shall their glory fade ? " 

The Army of the Potomac marched back to their 
camps on the other side of the river, but Slocum's 
armies have gone into camp on this side, north and 
east of the city. 



Thursday, May 25, 1865. 



The Rebel General Johnston has 

Washington, D. c, published a letter stating the 

May 25, 1865. causes which induced him to 

surrender to General Sherman. 
He says: ''The consequence of prolonging the strug- 
gle would only have been the destruction or dispersion 
of our bravest men, and great suffering of women and 
children, by the desolation and ruin inevitable from the 
marching of two hundred thousand men through the 
country. Having failed in an attempt to obtain terms 
giving security to citizens as well as soldiers, I had to 
choose between wantonly bringing the evils of war upon 
those I had been chosen to defend, and averting those 
calamities with the confession that hopes were dead, 
which every thinking Southern man had already lost. 
I made this convention to spare the blood of this gal- 
lant little army, to prevent further suffering of our peo- 
ple by the devastation and ruin inevitable from the 
marching of invading armies, and to avoid the crime of 
waging a hopeless war." 



Rebel deserters and escaped pris- 
New Orleans, La., oucrs of the Thirty-third Iowa 

May 25, 1865. Regiment just arrived from 

Texas, report that the Union 
prisoners confined at Tyler, Texas, were allowed to es- 
cape in large numbers, the guards saying that, when 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 405 



they are all gone, they will have nothing to do, and 
then can go home. The interior of Texas is in a terri- 
bly disorganized condition. A telegraph line is to be 
constructed from San Antonio and Austin to Mata- 
mores. 



The United States gunboat Tus- 
Boston. Mass., carora, from Fortress Monroe, 

May 25, 1865. with Alexander H. Stephens and 

Postmaster Reegan on board, ar- 
rived below this port this morning, and anchored in 
the Narrows. The Rebel party will be lodged in Fort 
Warren to-day. 



Saturday, May 27, 1865 



Major General Dix: A dispatch 
Kirby Smith's Surrender, from General Canby, dated at 
w^shingfoTTc., ^^^ Orleans, yesterday, the 26th 

May 27, 1865. inst., states that arrangements 

for the surrender of the Confed- 
erate forces in the Trans-Mississippi Department have 
been concluded. They include the men and material 
of the army and navy. 

Edwin M. Stanton, 

Secretary of War. 



Tuesday, May 30, 1865, 



Special Field Orders, No. 76. 

Washington, D. c, — The General commanding an- 

May 30, 1865. nounccs to the armies of the 

Tennessee and Georgia that the 

time has come for ns to part; our work is done and 

armed enemies no longer defy us. 

Some of you will be retained in service until further 
orders ; and now that we are about to separate, to min- 
gle with the civil world, it becomes a pleasing duty to 
recall to mind the situation of national affairs. 

When but little more than a year ago we were gath- 
ered about the twining cliffs of Lookout Mountain, and 
all the future was wrapped in doubt and uncertainty, 
three armies had come together from distant fields, with 
separate histories, yet bound by one common cause, the 
union of our country, and the perpetuation of the Gov- 
ernment of our inheritance. 

There is no need to recall to your memories Tunnell 
Hill, with its rocky face mountain and Buzzard Roost 
Gap, with the ugly forts of Dalton behind. We were 
in earnest, and paused not for danger and difficulty, but 
dashed through Snake Creek Gap, and fell on Resacca, 
then on to the Etowah to Dallas, Kenesaw, and the heats 
of summer found us on the banks of the Chattahooche, 
far from home, and dependent on a single road for sup- 
plies. 

Again we were not to be held back by any obstacles, 
and crossed over and fought four heavy battles for the 
possession of the citadel of Atlanta. That was the crisis 
of our history. A doubt still clouded our future, but 



4o8 THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

_ 

we solved the problem and destroyed Atlanta, struck 
boldly across the State of Georgia, 'secured all the main 
arteries of life to our enemy, and Christmas found us 
at Savannah. 

Waiting there only long enough to fill our wagons, 
we again began our march, which for peril, labor and 
results will compare with any ever made by an organ- 
ized army; the floods of the Savannah, the swamps of 
the Combahee and Edisto, the high hills and rocks of 
the Santee, the flat quagmires of the Peedee and Cape 
Fear Rivers were all passed in mid-winter, with its 
floods and ruins, in the fare of an accumulating enemy, 
and after the battle of Averysborough and Bentonville 
we once more came out of the wilderness to meet our 
friends at Goldsboro. 

Even then we paused only long enough to get new 
clothing to re-load our wagons and again pushed on to 
Raleigh, and beyond, until we get our enemy sueing 
for peace instead of war, and offering to submit to the 
injured laws of his and our country. As long as that 
enemy was defiant, nor mountains, nor rivers, nor 
swamps, nor hunger, nor cold had checked us, but when 
he who had fought us hard and persistently offered sub- 
mission, your General thought it wrong to pursue him 
further, and negotiations followed which resulted as you 
all know in his surrender. 

How far the operations of the army have contributed 
to the overthrow of the Confederacy, to the peace which 
now dawns on us, must be judged by others, not by us; 
but that you have done all that men could do has been 
admitted by those in authority, and we have a right to 
join in the universal joy that fills the land because the 
war is over, and our Government stands vindicated be- 
fore the world by the joint action of the volunteer ar- 
mies of the United States. 

To such as remain in the military service your Gen- 
eral would only remind you that successes in the past 
are due to hard work and discipline, and that the same 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 409 

work and discipline are equally important in the future. 
To such as go home I would only say that our favored 
country is so grand, so extensive, so diversified in cli- 
mate, soil, and productions, that every man can surely 
find a home and occupation suited to his tastes, and 
none should yield to the natural impotence sure to re- 
sult from our past life of excitement and adventure. 

You will be invited to seek new adventure abroad; 
but do not yield to the temptation, for it will lead only 
to death and disappointment. 

Your General now bids you all farewell with the full 
belief that as in war you have been good soldiers, so in 
peace you will make good citizens, and if unfortunately 
a new war should arise in our country, Sherman's army 
will be the first to buckle on the old armor and come 
forth to defend and maintain the Government of our 
inheritance and choice. By order of 

W. T. Sherman, 

Major General. 
L. M. Dayton, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



Friday, June 2, 1865, 



General Orders, No. io8. — 

Washington, D. C, c^ „ ^ ^ \ _ 

June 2.1865. SOLDIERS OF THE ArMIES , OF 

THE United States: By your 
patriotic devotion to your country in the hour of dan- 
ger and alarm, your magnificent fighting, bravery and 
endurance, you have maintained the supremacy of the 
Union and the Constitution, overthrown all armed op- 
position to the enforcement of the laws, and of the 
proclamations forever abolishing Slavery — the cause 
and pretext of the Rebellion — and opened the way to 
the rightful authorities, to restore order and inaugurate 
peace on a permanent and enduring basis on every foot 
of American soil. Your marches, sieges and battles, 
in distance, duration, resolution and brilliancy of re- 
sults, dim the lustre of the world's past military achieve- 
ments, and will be the patriot's precedent in defense of 
liberty and right in all time to come. In obedience to 
your country's call, you left your homes and families 
and volunteered in its defense. Victory has crowned 
your valor and secured the purpose of your patriotic 
hearts; and with the gratitude of your countrymen and 
the highest honors a great and free nation can accord, 
you will soon be permitted to return to your homes and 
families, conscious of having discharged the highest 
duty of American citizens. To achieve these glorious 
triumphs and to secure to yourselves, your fellow coun- 
trymen and posterity the blessings of free institutions, 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 411 

tens of thousands of your gallant comrades have fallen 
and sealed the priceless legacy with their lives. The 
grave of these a grateful nation bedews with tears, 
honor their memories, and will ever cherish and sup- 
port their stricken families. 

U. S. Grant, 
Lieutenant General. 



Thursday, June 8, 1865 



The review of the Sixth Corps, 
Tune" Vises. ' Major General Wright, has been 

the incident of to-day. The 
corps consisted of three divisions, nine brigades and 
fourty-four regiments, and consumed two hours in pass- 
ing. Reviews here seem to have lost their interest, for 
.the turnout of the people was very small, though it was 
to witness the marching of gallant men who have borne 
the brunt of battle for four years. The arrangements 
also were conspicuously bad, the tickets of admission 
to the central platform having been sagaciously sent to 
General Meade's headquarters at Fort Albany, five 
miles from the city, the result of which was that the 
platform was not half full, while Senators and members 
of Congress, Generals, heads of Bureaus and reporters 
were obliged to keep to thd street. The pavilion, oc- 
cupied by the President, Secretary McCulloch, Secre- 
tary Stanton, Generals Meade, Wright and Heintzel- 
man, Admiral Davis and others, was beautifully decor- 
ated with flags and flowers as before. The Vermont 
Brigade, Major General h. A. Grant, was greatly ad- 
mired for their fine appearance. Major General Casey, 
whose praise is worth having, says their marching was 
of a superior order, indicating excellent discipline, and 
that this was the only brigade that saluted the Presi- 
dent correctly. These troops received a hearty wel- 
come from the Vermonters, with Governor Smith at 
their head, who occupied a stand opposite the pavilion. 



THE LAST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 413 

A noticeable feature of the procession, also, was the 
One Hundred and Sixty-eighth New York, Colonel A. 
N. McDonald. This regiment was the first to march 
into Petersburg. Other New York regiments, and the 
New Jersey Brigade came in for their meed of praise. 
The Thirty-seventh Massachusetts also attracted great 
attention and applause, as on the recent grander review. 
There were no colored soldiers in line to receive any 
portion of the popular homage for their bravery and 
fidelity. They have all been sent off to Texas, where 
they are for the present safe from the applause of their 
grateful countrymen and from the sneers of those offi- 
cers who are jealous lest black men share the honors of 
the day of victory. 



Friday, June 9, 1865, 



The mustering-out of a portion 

Twenty-thlrd Army Corps, of ^)^q TwentV-third CorpS be- 
Greensboro, N. C, . ^ , \ . r .1 

Junes, 1865. gms to-day. A portion of the 

old Fort Fisher brigade — the 
first of the Second Division, Tenth Corps, is about to 
start for home. It consists of the One Hundred and 
Twelfth, One Hundred and Seventeenth, and One 
Hundred and Forty-second New York, commanded 
respectively by Colonel Ludwig, Colonel Myers, and 
Colonel Burney, with Brevet Brigadier General Dag- 
gett as Brigade Commander. Their horses have 
already been sent to Gaston, whence the troops follow 
by rail, and march thence to City Point, where they 
take transports. This brigade was the first to storm 
and take Fort Fisher, during which every officer and 
man covered himself with glory, and saw the colors 
first planted on the parapet of the fort. I saw it done. 
Why is this brave body of troops to be mustered out 
here, and to lose all the time between the date of mus- 
ter-out and their actual payment at home ? They must 
retain their organization until they reach home. This 
is complained of as unjust and unusual. 



Wednesday, June 29, 1865. 



Headquarters of the ^ 

Washington, D. C, ArMY OF THE POTOMAC. V 

June 29, 1865. June 28, 1865. j 

Soldiers : This day two years 
ago, I was assigned command of you under the orders 
of the President of the United States. To-day, by 
virtue of the same authority, the army ceasing to exist, 
I have to announce my transfer to other duties and my 
separation from you. 

It is unnecessary to enumerate all that has occurred 
in these two eventful years, from the grand and deci- 
sive battle of Gettysburg, the turning point of the war, 
to the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at 
Appomattox Court House. Suffice it to say that his- 
tory will do you justice. A grateful country will honor 
the living, cherish and support the disabled, and sin- 
cerely mourn the dead. 

In parting from you, your Commanding General will 
ever bear in memory your noble devotion to your coun- 
try, your patience and cheerfulness under all the priva- 
tions and sacrifices you have been called on to endure. 

Soldiers, having accomplished the work set before 
us, having vindicated the honor and integrity of our 
Government, and flag, let us return thanks to Almighty 



4l6 THE l^AST FOUR WEEKS OF THE WAR. 

God for his blessing in granting us victory and peace, 
and let us earnestly pray for strength and light to dis- 
charge our duties as citizens, as we have endeavored to 
discharge them as soldiers. 

George G. Meade, . 

Major General, U. S. A. 



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